ACBL Expands Its Houston Footprint
American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) has announced a major expansion of its operations in the Port of Houston, strengthening its industry-leading network and deepening its presence in one of the nation’s most important trade, energy and industrial hubs.
Under the agreement with the Port of Houston Authority, ACBL has leased and will develop 28 acres of submerged land for dedicated barge fleeting operations, according to a company news release. The site expands the footprint of ACBL’s Lost Lake Fleet in the heart of the Houston market. The lease allows ACBL to conduct barge fleeting activities in accordance with port authority standards.
“This investment reflects our increased focus on the Gulf Coast market and the critical role our Houston operations play in ACBL’s transformation,” ACBL CEO Peter Coxon said. “Continued investment in our liquid business and in the Houston area is central to that strategy.”
Development plans include new mooring structures, dredging and other infrastructure investments designed to support high-volume operations along the Houston Ship Channel. This investment — along with the extension of its current fleeting lease related to Lost Lake Fleet — increases ACBL’s fleeting capacity in the Houston market and cements ACBL’s ability to fleet barges in the port for decades to come.
Alex Pucheu, the senior vice president who leads ACBL’s fleets and terminals business, added, “The Port of Houston has been a great partner in our expansion. We are excited to play a larger part in the operations of one of the premier ports in the world. Expanding our capacity in Houston strengthens not only our Gulf Coast operations, but our broader network across 15 states.”
As demand for energy, chemicals and domestically produced goods continues to grow, this investment positions ACBL to play an even greater role as an integrated partner in its customers’ businesses, the company said.
Featured photo caption: American Commercial Barge Line will develop 28 acres of submerged land, expanding its Lost Lake Fleet in the Houston market. (Photos courtesy of American Commercial Barge Line)
