ACBL Remembers Mike Kennelly, Inland Marine Industry Leader

American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is mourning the death of Michael “Mike” Joseph Kennelly, the company’s senior vice president of liquid cargo and a longtime leader in the inland marine industry.

Kennelly, 55, died September 25. Arrangements were being handled through Klein Funeral Home in Tomball, Texas. A full funeral home obituary was not yet available.

Kennelly spent more than three decades in the industry, holding leadership positions with Kirby, Savage Marine, Settoon and Florida Marine before joining ACBL in 2020. A third-generation member of the maritime industry, he began his career with Kirby Inland Marine after attending Texas A&M University’s maritime academy in Galveston. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management from Texas A&M University.

During nearly six years with ACBL, he played a key role in the company’s liquids business and became a respected mentor and colleague throughout the industry.

“Mike was the architect of our liquids business and a cornerstone of our industry, but his impact went far beyond what he accomplished professionally,” said Peter Coxon, ACBL CEO. “He was a remarkable person who genuinely cared about people and always seemed to have a kind word for everyone he met.”

Coxon said Kennelly made a difference in the lives of people throughout ACBL and the broader inland marine industry.

“He was the type of person and leader we all strive to be,” Coxon said. “We are deeply grateful for everything he gave to ACBL, and we will miss him dearly.”

Those who worked with Kennelly over the years remembered his knowledge of the barge business, his ability to solve complex logistics challenges and his willingness to help others.

Alex Pucheu, ACBL’s senior vice president of fleets, terminals and real estate, said he worked with Kennelly for 14 years and considered him both a friend and mentor.

“He knew more about the inland barge business than anyone I’ve come across over that time span,” Pucheu said. “He had a God-given gift to be able piece together a logistics puzzle at the blink of an eye. He was a logistics genius in my opinion.”

Pucheu also recalled Kennelly’s trademark whiteboard, which he kept in his truck and brought to meetings and industry events during his years with Settoon and Savage.

“He was a warrior during his battle with cancer, he was an amazing father to Olivia Grace, Christian and Andrew and a friend that I will never forget,” Pucheu said.

Kennelly also made a lasting impact on the careers of many people who worked with him. MJ Johnson, ACBL vice president of vessel operations, said Kennelly helped shape his own career through mentorship and trust.

“Mike was one of those people who changed the course of my life,” Johnson said. “He took a chance on me when he didn’t have to. He mentored me, believed in me and trusted me. The way he led people shaped the way I lead today.”

Johnson said Kennelly was more than a professional mentor.

“Personally, Mike was family. I loved him,” Johnson said.

Jay Joseph, ACBL senior commercial director of liquids, said he worked with Kennelly for 16 years and considered him both a leader and close friend.

“We shared a lot over those years, the good times and the bad, and he was certainly the rock for me during my battle with cancer,” Joseph said. “He taught me everything I know about the marine business.”

Joseph recalled that Kennelly helped him learn the commercial side of the industry early in his career, including how to calculate demurrage for a customer.

“We worked so closely together that many times we knew what each other was thinking,” Joseph said. “He fought his battle with cancer until the very end, and I take comfort that he is no longer in pain and is at peace.”

In 2024, ACBL dedicated a vessel in Kennelly’s honor, placing his name on a vessel that continues to operate on the inland waterways.

The mv. Michael J. Kennelly was built by Steiner Construction in Bayou La Batre, Ala., and delivered to ACBL in 2023. The 82-foot towboat features a retractable pilothouse and Tier 4 engines. Kennelly helped develop the concept for the vessel, which was designed for operations in the Houston Harbor.

The vessel was christened in Kennelly’s honor at the Kemah Boardwalk near Houston in January 2024. The ceremony brought together Kennelly’s family, friends and colleagues to recognize his more than 30 years in the maritime industry.

The vessel serves as a lasting connection to Kennelly’s career and his contributions to the inland marine industry.

Kennelly was associated with the Houston/Tomball, Texas, area, where he remained connected to the region’s maritime community.

Kennelly is survived by his children, Olivia Grace, Christian and Andrew, and other members of the Kennelly family. ACBL extended its condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and others throughout the industry mourning his loss.

Featured photo caption: Mike Kennelly, ACBL senior vice president of liquid cargo, poses with his children, Olivia Grace, Christian and Andrew. (Photo courtesy of ACBL)