River Recovery By Pamela Glass, Washington Correspondent
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ith the country’s economic recovery from Covid-19 well underway, spurred by rising vaccination rates, massive federal aid and renewed consumer confidence, the inland barge industry is seeing a welcome uptick in business. After a gloomy year that forced a redirection of business plans, imposition of across-the-board safety and health protocols and for many sectors of barging a steep decline in demand for their services, the industry appears to be turning the corner. As the U.S. economy gains steam, demand for export grains like corn and soybeans, which have remained relatively steady throughout the pandemic, continues to be strong, keeping dry cargo barges busy. In early May, the Department of Agriculture reported that total barged grain
movements reached a record high of 14.5 million tons, 47% higher than last year and 33% above the five-year average. The increased rate of vaccinations and government relief payments has encouraged Americans to drive, fly and spend in ways not seen for more than a year. This has put refineries and chemical manufacturing back into business, pushing oil prices up and helping the liquid barge sector get its fleet back working on the rivers. Meanwhile, imports through New Orleans during the first quarter of 2021 increased across all industries, with improvements in steel and steel products, fertilizer, iron ore, aluminum, salt and bauxite, all of which are moved largely by barge to their final destinations. Overall, firstquarter imports were up 28.4% from the previous year, according to River Transport News.
www.workboat.com • JULY 2021 • WorkBoat
Doug Stewart
After a tough year, the barge industry is ready to rebound.
