Inland Marine Expo News - The Waterways Journal

Report Focuses On Inland Mariner Wellness

Panelists discuss the importance of health and wellness among mariners during the session “U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment - From Recommendations To Results: Examining What Has and Has Not Worked with Mariner Wellness” at the 2026 Inland Marine Expo. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Martin Slade, principal researcher at Yale’s Occupational Health Division; Dr. Kyle Turnbo, president and medical director of Healthworks LLC; Kelly Clapp, director of human resources for Ingram Barge Company; Troy Remy, vice president of human resources at Canal Barge Company; and Rev. Grace Pardun, supervisory chaplain at SCI for the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River Region. (Photo courtesy of ECN Photography)

Report Focuses On Inland Mariner Wellness

July 24, 2026

As companies realize the critical need to recruit, support and sustain inland workforces, the health and wellness of inland mariners has received more sustained and serious attention than ever before. It’s a conversation being furthered by a comprehensive… Read More

IMX Session Focuses On Disaster Preparation Anthony Gex, deputy director at Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, hosted the Ports & Terminals session at IMX. Titled “Port & Terminal Resilience: Disaster Planning & Operational Recovery,” Gex examined necessary steps businesses should take to ensure natural disasters are handled safely and correctly. (Photo courtesy of ECN Photography)

Anthony Gex, deputy director at Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, hosted the Ports & Terminals session at IMX. Titled “Port & Terminal Resilience: Disaster Planning & Operational Recovery,” Gex examined necessary steps businesses should take to ensure natural disasters are handled safely and correctly. (Photo courtesy of ECN Photography)

IMX Session Focuses On Disaster Preparation

July 17, 2026

As hurricane season progresses, it is vital that businesses implement and review emergency plans in case something goes wrong. Anthony Gex, deputy director for Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals… Read More

40 Under 40 Awards: Jacobs, Lapikas, Lawson And Lewis

July 2, 2026

For the ninth year, 40 of the industry’s future leaders were honored at the Inland Marine Expo with the “40 Under 40” award, which recognizes individuals for their… Read More

Captain’s Panel Share Experience At IMX

The Captain’s Panel at the 2026 Inland Marine Expo in Nashville, Tenn. featured, from left, moderator Capt. David Smith of The Waterways Journal, Capt. Michael Carpenter of Magnolia Marine, Capt. Randy Chamness of American Commercial Barge Line and Capt. Shane Checkan of Industry Terminal & Salvage discussing leadership, mentorship and safety in the inland marine industry. (Photo courtesy of ECN Photography)

Captain’s Panel Share Experience At IMX

July 2, 2026

Earning a towboat captain’s license is a career landmark. It follows years of experience and study, resulting in a high-paying job with regular time off. Many towboat captains are… Read More

40 Under 40 Awards: Gillespie, Heflin, Hicks And Hughes The Waterways Journal continues its ninth annual 40 Under 40 series by recognizing four emerging leaders making an impact across the inland marine industry: Jordan Gillespie of C-River Logistics, Blake Heflin of Canal Barge Company, Ryan Hicks of Magnolia Marine Transport Company and Timothy Hughes of Hughes Bros., Inc.

The Waterways Journal continues its ninth annual 40 Under 40 series by recognizing four emerging leaders making an impact across the inland marine industry: Jordan Gillespie of C-River Logistics, Blake Heflin of Canal Barge Company, Ryan Hicks of Magnolia Marine Transport Company and Timothy Hughes of Hughes Bros., Inc.

40 Under 40 Awards: Gillespie, Heflin, Hicks And Hughes

June 26, 2026

For the ninth year, 40 of the industry’s future leaders were honored at the Inland Marine Expo with the “40 Under 40” award, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding… Read More

IMX Panel Discusses Cybersecurity Regs

Panelists at the “Clarity Over Complexity: A Practical Guide to U.S. Coast Guard Cybersecurity Compliance” session at the 2026 Inland Marine Expo discussed mitigating cybersecurity risks and achieving Coast Guard compliance. Pictured from left to right are Robert Blackman, senior manager of service business development at KVH Industries Inc.; Lt. William Quigley, vessel and offshore branch lead for the Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy; Amanda Wallace, IT systems manager at Hines Furlong Line, Inc.; Cliff Neve, vice president of maritime cybersecurity at MAD Security; and Kristy Huang, global cybersecurity director at ABS Consulting. (Photo courtesy of ECN Photography)

IMX Panel Discusses Cybersecurity Regs

June 26, 2026

In the cybersecurity session held at this year’s Inland Marine Expo in Nashville, Tenn., panelists discussed navigating Coast Guard regulations and addressed industry questions when it comes to vessel… Read More

40 Under 40 Awards: Cox, Davis, Dvorachek And Gettys 40u40_Awards-Cox-Davis-Dvorachek-Gettys_web

40 Under 40 Awards: Cox, Davis, Dvorachek And Gettys

June 19, 2026

For the ninth year, 40 of the industry’s future leaders were honored at the Inland Marine Expo with the “40 Under 40” award, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding… Read More

IMX Panel Details Vessel Construction TSMS Option

Panelists discuss best practices for navigating Subchapter M requirements during the session “From Concept to COI: Navigating the Realities of a New Construction TSMS Option Vessel” at the 2026 Inland Marine Expo. Pictured, from left, are Tava S. Foret, president and co-founder of Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB); Patrick McKinney, marine surveyor and lead auditor at Rushing Marine Service LLC; Kenneth Humphreys, licensed professional engineer and managing partner of MiNO Marine LLC; Mike Stone, manager of vessel engineering at Canal Barge Company; and Caleb T. King, senior operations manager at Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB). (Photo courtesy of ECN Photography)

IMX Panel Details Vessel Construction TSMS Option

June 19, 2026

How do the requirements of Subchapter M and seeking a certificate of inspection (COI) using a third-party organization (TPO) under the Towing Safety Management System option affect the construction… Read More

Laborde Products Expands With 5R Enterprises

Representatives of Laborde Products and 5R Enterprises marked a new dealer agreement during the Inland Marine Expo (IMX) in Nashville, Tenn. Under the agreement, 5R Enterprises will serve as a Laborde Products dealer for the Midwest region, expanding support and service capabilities for inland marine operators. Pictured, from left, are Jared Legendre, vice president of sales for Laborde Products; Jacob Yoder, dealer development manager for Laborde Products; Chad Cailteux, owner of 5R Enterprises; and Jeff Caspary, territory sales manager for 5R Enterprises. (Photo by Zac Metcalf)

Laborde Products Expands With 5R Enterprises

June 12, 2026

Laborde Products has added 5R Enterprises, LLC to its dealer network, expanding Mitsubishi marine engine support in the Midwest. Based in Morris, Ill., 5R Enterprises will support commercial… Read More

Maritime Throwdown Nears Decade Mark Michael Kirk of Ingram Barge Company competes in a line-handling event during the Maritime Throwdown Finals at the Inland Marine Expo (IMX) in Nashville, Tenn. Kirk demonstrated his rope-handling skills as IMX attendees gathered around the competition arena to watch the action. (Photos courtesy of ECN Photography)

Michael Kirk of Ingram Barge Company competes in a line-handling event during the Maritime Throwdown Finals at the Inland Marine Expo (IMX) in Nashville, Tenn. Kirk demonstrated his rope-handling skills as IMX attendees gathered around the competition arena to watch the action. (Photos courtesy of ECN Photography)

Maritime Throwdown Nears Decade Mark

June 12, 2026

What began as a side project dreamed up in a towboat wheelhouse has grown into one of the inland maritime industry’s most recognizable demonstrations of seamanship, safety and workforce… Read More