Crounse Barge Honors Country’s 250th

Crounse Corporation, based in Paducah, Ky., has taken delivery of a hopper barge that honors the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The barge, built by NABRICO Marine Products at its Caruthersville, Mo., shipyard, is appropriately named C1776. It was delivered May 28.

“This special barge honors our country’s 250th anniversary and the patriotism that lives within our company and the broader U.S. maritime community,” Crounse Corporation President and CEO Matt Ricketts said. “Many Crounse employees have served our nation, and we are grateful for them and for all the men and women who have served to keep us safe and free.”

Crounse and NABRICO have a business relationship spanning three decades, with NABRICO’s shipyard delivering 1,210 barges to the company over that time. While the others look nearly identical, C1776 features an American flag and a stylized font for the 1776, the same year the Declaration of Independence was signed.

“The NABRICO team takes great pride in delivering high-quality inland equipment to the industry, and we are especially proud to work with Crounse Corporation on the C1776,” said Bryson Person, president of NABRICO Marine Products. “It’s not just another hopper. This one is special. This opportunity to honor our nation’s history, the men and women who have served to keep her free and the men and women of Crounse and NABRICO past and present is something we will all remember for a long time.”

Crounse Corporation, founded in 1948, operates a fleet of 40 towboats and more than 1,300 barges. The company is headquartered in Paducah but also maintains an office in Maysville, Ky. NABRICO Marine Products manufacturers hopper, tank and deck barges. Its roots date back to 1902, and it is headquartered in Covington, La.

Featured photo caption: NABRICO Marine Products constructed a special hopper barge for Crounse Corporation to honor the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. (Photos courtesy of Crounse Corporation)