Bergan, Bargetender Partner To Advance Technology

A chance meeting between Bergan Marine Systems’ President and CEO Kyle Durden and Trey and Taylor Busch, co-owners of Bargetender, at the 2025 Inland Marine Expo (IMX) sparked a partnership that is now reshaping the future of automated barge draft technology.

What began as a casual conversation between neighboring exhibitors quickly developed into a collaboration that merges Bergan’s long-standing expertise in liquid cargo systems with Bargetender’s proven solutions for dry cargo barges.

“It all started at IMX,” Durden said. “Taylor came over to our booth, and we began talking about our systems. They already had a strong product in the market, but we saw how it could benefit from our experience with liquid barges. From there, we worked out a way to integrate their device into our existing alarm systems, tank level sensors and IoT network.”

Bargetender’s automated drafting system uses multiple technologies to capture precise draft data, transmitting it digitally to a gateway and then to a cloud-based dashboard. The system allows operators and terminal personnel to view loading data in real time, improving both accuracy and safety. The partnership enables Bergan to integrate this system into its established suite of monitoring tools, bringing together draft, tank-level, temperature and pressure readings within a single connected platform.

“The idea fits perfectly with our vision for a fully connected barge,” Durden said. “We’re already collecting data from dozens of sensors. This adds another layer that enhances safety, efficiency and situational awareness for our customers.”

For Bargetender, the partnership provides an entry point into the liquid cargo market, an area that presents new challenges and regulatory requirements. “Before IMX, we honestly viewed Bergan as a competitor,” Trey Busch said. “But after meeting Kyle and learning about their approach, we realized we could do more by working together. They bring decades of experience on the liquid side, and that’s helped us adapt our system for those applications.”

Taylor Busch added that Bergan’s engineering standards and safety certifications were key factors in forming the partnership. “Their Coast Guard and ABS-approved cabinets make it easy to integrate our devices safely,” he said. “It’s the kind of collaboration where both sides bring their strengths to create something better than either could do alone.”

Bergan’s plan is to integrate Bargetender’s gateway directly into its existing control cabinets, allowing for seamless data transmission through its cloud-based system. The result is a combined solution that supports the growing movement toward automation and data-driven operations across both liquid and dry cargo fleets.

The partnership is already producing results. Durden said the companies have received positive feedback from barge operators and naval architects who recognize the potential to reduce manual draft readings and improve operational visibility.

“We even introduced Trey and Taylor to some of our partners right there on the show floor,” he said. “It was an opportunity for both sides to learn—us about their technology and them about the liquid market’s unique safety requirements.”

Trey Busch noted that the relationship has been smooth and productive from the beginning.

“Kyle and his team have been open-minded and easy to work with,” he said. “They were authentic right from the start, which is important when you’re trusting someone with your product and brand. We knew early on that we could move forward together.”

The collaboration also reflects a broader trend within the maritime industry toward smart technologies that reduce risk and increase efficiency.

“This industry doesn’t want to be the first to adopt new technology, but it doesn’t want to be the last, either,” Durden said. “Once operators see the benefits—fewer spills, better load management, safer operations—they quickly understand the value.”

For Bargetender and Bergan Marine Systems, the partnership is more than just a product integration. It represents a shared commitment to modernizing barge operations through innovation and reliability. Both companies see potential to expand the system’s capabilities in the future, integrating additional sensors and cloud features that continue to strengthen operational safety and performance.

As Durden put it, “Every product we design has to show a clear benefit, whether that’s preventing a spill, protecting personnel or improving efficiency. This partnership helps us do all three.”

From a handshake at IMX to a growing industry collaboration, Bergan Marine Systems and Bargetender are charting a new course for barge automation where technology and trust move the industry forward together.

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Featured photo caption: Bergan Marine Systems, Bargetender, automated barge draft technology, IMX partnership, liquid cargo systems, dry cargo barges, cloud-based dashboard, connected barge platform, safety certifications, automation trends, operational visibility, smart maritime technologies.