Boats & Barges

Celebrating 2026 Christenings

Across the waterways, 2026 has been a busy year for new names on the water. Towboats, harbor tugs, a deck barge and even new terminal cranes have joined the fleet. Each got a proper send-off from the mariners, family members and namesakes who stepped up to break the bottle. In this photo roundup, The Waterways Journal looks back at the christenings of the year so far and the people behind the names.

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Capt. Joy Manthey breaks a bottle of Tennessee whiskey to christen the Capitol on May 13 in Nashville, Tenn. Manthey is the aunt of Nashville Riverboats President and CEO Troy Manthey, and they share a special relationship. (Photo courtesy of Nashville Riverboats)