Loadstar Expands Tankerman Services With Atlas Marine Acquisition
Loadstar Product Handling Services, based in Baton Rouge, La., is expanding its tankerman operations with the acquisition of Atlas Marine Services of Houma, La.
The transition will be effective July 1 with Loadstar expecting a seamless continuation of customer service. The acquisition was finalized earlier this month.
Atlas founders John Breaux and Michael Meche will join Loadstar and serve in leadership positions. Breaux will move into a business development role, and Meche will serve as director of marine operations. Both will report to Loadstar Vice President of Operations Brett Murray.
“We are very excited to welcome John, Mike and the Atlas team to Loadstar,” said Brian Haymon, founder and CEO of Loadstar. “This is another step in our effort to build Loadstar into the premier service provider in the industry.”
The acquisition significantly expands Loadstar’s tankerman workforce, enhancing the company’s capacity to take on additional work while maintaining its commitment to premier customer service, said Kelli Dominique, senior human resources manager at Loadstar.
“Atlas brings a strong reputation for safety and compliance—values that align closely with Loadstar’s own standards—making this a natural and strategic fit,” she said.
Dominique added that Atlas customers will benefit from an expanded portfolio of available tools and resources that Loadstar has curated.
The move is considered a milestone for both companies.
“After years of growth, innovation and commitment to excellence, we are excited to enter this next chapter with Loadstar,” said Breaux, president of Atlas Marine Services. “Partnering with them allows us to expand what we do best while maintaining the values and culture that define our team.”
Meche added that Atlas is joining Loadstar “as a team.”
“Our leadership is staying engaged, and our focus remains on the people who have helped build Atlas into what it is today,” Meche said. “We are entering a stronger future, together.”
Breaux added, “This is more than a merger. It’s a shared mission. We’re grateful for the trust of our clients and the dedication of our team. The future is bright, and we’re excited to navigate it with Loadstar.”
Loadstar, which launched operations in 2021, provides product-handling and site logistics services to refineries, chemical manufacturers, bulk liquid storage terminals and the marine industry. The company’s services include loading and unloading railcars, trucks, barges and ships; switching railcars; operating marine docks, warehouses, tank farms and railyards; and providing barge fleeting and other site logistics services.
