摘要: |
The inland barge industry is facing a significant maintenance bubble as regulatory inspections on many vessels converge at the same time, while shipyard space for repairs and maintenance remains limited. The bubble is underway and will likely continue well into 2024 and perhaps into 2025. Tank barges undergo major internal structural exams (ISE) by the Coast Guard every 10 years, which typically kicks off the first major reinvestment in a barge by its owner. Steel and mechanical repairs are common at this time, as well as a fresh coat of paint. "As a result, the barges are out for an extended period of time," said H. Merritt Lane, president and CEO of Canal Barge Co. Inc. (CBC), New Orleans. "Since there was a bit of a building boom beginning about 10 years ago, those barges will be up for their ISEs." |