The Waterways Journal

04/24/2025

Spend your evening with the Inland Marine Expo and Maritime Throwdown.
Complimentary food, with Nashville flair, and drinks will be available as the MTD Final Competition unfolds at Music City Center.

OPENING PARTY | Wed, May 28 @ 5:00 pm

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04/18/2025

Education Preview: Building better marine highways starts with understanding what’s beneath the surface—funding, design, and regional complexity.

Developing the On & Off Ramps of our Marine Highways from a Design & Fund Perspective
🕑 May 29 at 2:15 PM

🎙 Moderator: Maegan Mansfield, Project Manager & Civil Engineer, BFW Engineering
👥 Speakers:
• Mary C. Laime, P.E., EVP of Multi Modal Enterprises, Bi-State Development
• Amanda Davenport, Executive Director, Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority
• Ben Weithman, Executive Director, Henderson County Riverport

This session dives into the realities of funding and building marine infrastructure across six inland states. Learn how experts are navigating design challenges, federal funding streams, and the legislative landscape to modernize ports, create jobs, and boost sustainable trade along the inland waterways.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

04/17/2025

Education Preview: What’s available now—and what’s on deck—for those investing in U.S. marine transportation and shipbuilding?

Present and Proposed Incentives for Investing in Domestic Marine Transportation and Shipbuilding
🕙 May 30 at 10:15 AM

🎙 Moderator: James A. Kearns III, Special Counsel, Jones Walker
👥 Speakers:
• Brian Mueller, CEO, Heartland Companies
• David Gilmore, Director, Office of Marine Financing, U.S. Maritime Administration

This session explores the full landscape of funding programs for the maritime sector, including Title XI, the Capital Construction Fund, and Small Shipyard Grants. You'll also get an insider look at emerging legislation like the SHIPS for America Act—and what it could mean for future investment in U.S. shipbuilding.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

04/17/2025

Education Preview: Retire, replace, or resurge? The inland barge fleet stands at a turning point—and this session maps what’s next.

State of the Barge Industry: Supply, Demand and Projections
🕘 May 30 at 9:15 AM

🎙 Moderator: Ken Eriksen, Managing Member & Strategic Adviser, Polaris Analytics and Consulting
👥 Speakers:
• Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director, Soy Transportation Coalition
• Clark Todd, President & CEO, Blessey Marine Services, Inc.

With a rapidly aging fleet and shifting commodity demands, the inland barge industry is facing critical decisions. This session dives into key findings from the latest IRR Barge Fleet Profile and Commodities Report, offering insights on equipment trends, retirement outlooks, and demand projections by barge type.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

04/16/2025

⚠️ Don't delay; important deadlines are approaching fast! Get signed up to attend in two easy steps:

Step 1️⃣: Register online now for $195 before rates go up on May 28
Step 2️⃣: Book your hotel through the official room block by May 5 for the best selection and pricing. Nightly rates start at just $259.

Head to inlandmarineexpo.com to grab your spot and lock in your stay!

04/15/2025

Education Preview: From one-of-a-kind designs to full-scale build programs, this session explores what’s next for the inland fleet.

New Vessel Construction: Distinctive New Builds or Build Programs
🕒 May 29 at 3:15 PM
🎙 Moderated by: The Waterways Journal

With the largest commercial fleet in the U.S., the inland and intracoastal waterways continue to evolve. This session spotlights standout new builds and innovative programs that are redefining vessel construction—blending proven durability with cutting-edge tech, enhanced safety, and greater crew comfort.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

04/11/2025

Education Preview: Staying compliant isn't just about checking boxes—it's about keeping your fleet moving. This panel breaks down what’s new, what’s challenging, and what’s at stake.

Towing Vessel Compliance Update & Challenges
🕐 May 29 at 1:15 PM

🎙 Moderator: Tava Foret, President & Cofounder, Towing Vessel Inspecti🎙 Moderator: Tava Foret, President & Cofounder, Towing Vessel Inspecti Bureau (TVIB)
👥 Speakers:
• Jason Soutiere, Regional Director of Operations, North America, ABS
• Matt LaGarde, AVP HSSE, Ingram Barge Company
• Caleb King, Senior Operations Manager, TVIB
• Carlin Chapman, EVP – HSSE & Compliance, Southern Devall

From drydock delays to COI complications, this session unpacks the real-world compliance challenges operators face today. Learn how to stay ahead of regulatory hurdles, avoid costly downtime, and keep your vessels in service.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

04/11/2025

Education Preview: Historic infrastructure funding was a win—now comes the hard part: turning dollars into durable results.

Keeping Traffic Flowing with Modern Infrastructure & the Challenge of Cost Overruns
🕚 May 29 at 11:15 AM

🎙 Moderator: Paul Rohde, Vice President, Midwest Area, Waterways Council Inc.
👥 Speakers:
• Neil Maunu, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association
• Cline Jones, Executive Director, Tennessee River Valley Association
• Tracy Zea, President & CEO, Waterways Council, Inc.

Despite unprecedented infrastructure investment, modernizing locks and dams is running into rising costs, delays, and political headwinds. This session unpacks why and how the inland waterways industry must unite in advocacy to keep modernization on track—and waterway traffic flowing.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

04/11/2025

Education Preview: When disaster strikes, preparation makes all the difference. This panel will show you how to plan smart—before an emergency hits.

Staying Ahead of Disaster: Strategic Planning Before a Waterways Emergency
🕙 May 29 at 10:15 AM

🎙 Moderator: Mike Breslin, Senior Director for Safety & Sustainability, American Waterways Operators
👥 Speakers:
• Russ Lampkins, SVP of Logistics, Customer Service & Vessel Operations, Ingram Barge Company
• Devon Carlock, VP of Safety & Government Relations, Cottrell Contracting Corporation

Led by the American Waterways Operators, this session dives into proactive marine emergency planning. From equipment staging to incident command strategy, panelists will share real-world insights and examples of how the industry is staying resilient—even in extreme weather.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

04/10/2025

Education Preview: Ever wonder what life’s like behind the controls of a towboat? Hear it straight from the mariners themselves.

Opening Session – View from the Wheelhouse – The IMX Captain’s Panel!
🕘 May 29 at 9:15 AM

🎙 Moderators: Capt. David Smith & Frank McCormack, The Waterways Journal
👥 Speakers:
• Jacob Grant, Port Captain, Amherst Madison
• Ron Harrison, Dispatcher, Bellaire Harbor Service
• Brent Stricklin, Port Captain, Crounse Corporation
• Randy Moore, Senior Port Captain, Golding Barge Line
• Jeff Stoneking, VP of Operations, Reliant Maritime Solutions, LLC

This first-ever IMX session gives the mic to licensed mariners. Hear their journeys to the wheelhouse, how they’re mentoring the next generation, and what they need to keep marine transportation strong.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

04/03/2025

🏨 Book Your Stay Before It’s Too Late.

Lock in your Nashville hotel through the official IMX room block — available only until May 5 or until rooms sell out (whichever comes first). It’s first-come, first-served, so don’t wait!

💵 Room rates range from $249–$319 per night, offering options to suit your travel budget.

📍 Stay close to the action and enjoy exclusive perks by booking through the official link:

Are you heading to Nashville for IMX2025? Visit our Hotel & Travel page to plan your trip and book nearby accommodations for May 28-30, 2025.

04/01/2025

🤝 Connect at !

The Inland Marine Expo is your ticket to unparalleled networking in the maritime industry. Whether you work on a barge deck or in a corporate office, this is where connections happen.

Meet industry pros from inland rivers, lakes and intracoastal waterways, exchange insights, and build relationships that drive business forward. Here's a list of attendee types you'll meet:

• Commercial marine transportation providers operating towboats, barges, ships & ferries
• Ports and terminals, stevedoring firms
• Fleeting and harbor service providers
• Inland shipyards and repair facilities
• Dredging companies and marine contractors
• Engineers, divers, surveyors, consultants
• Related government agencies

Visit inlandmarineexpo.com to start planning your trip today.

03/27/2025

Did you take advantage of Early Bird Registration? Your next step is to book your Nashville accommodations through the official event room block. Head to/inlandmarineexpo.com/hotel-travel/ to grab the best hotel deals.

Are you heading to Nashville for IMX2025? Visit our Hotel & Travel page to plan your trip and book nearby accommodations for May 28-30, 2025.

03/26/2025

📣 TODAY IS THE DAY!

Register TODAY (3/26) to take advantage of Early Bird Registration. Save $50 by signing up today.

Register NOW here > bit.ly/3NR7gwI

03/25/2025

🚨 DEADLINE ALERT 🚨
The Early Bird Registration rate expires TOMORROW (3/26). Don't wait to sign up. Attendee prices increase to $195 on March 27.

Register NOW here > bit.ly/3NR7gwI

Learn more about the 2025 Inland Marine Expo here > inlandmarineexpo.com

03/19/2025

There's just ONE WEEK left to SAVE BIG with Early Bird Registration.

Don't wait to sign up. Attendee prices increase to $195 on March 27.

Register NOW here > bit.ly/3NR7gwI

Learn more about the 2025 Inland Marine Expo here > inlandmarineexpo.com

03/18/2025

A BIG shout out to the Supporting Media Organizations:

The Waterways Journal
International Dredging Review
Great Lakes/Seaway Review
Marine News
Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
Marine Log Magazine

03/14/2025

Kick off the Inland Marine Expo with the View from the Wheelhouse – The IMX Captain’s Panel!

➡️ Moderated by The Waterways Journal, this first-ever session gives you a rare chance to hear directly from licensed mariners.

➡️ Learn how they built their careers, how they’re mentoring the next generation, and what matters most to them in keeping marine transportation thriving. Don’t miss this insider’s perspective!

🕘 Thursday, May 29 @ 9:15 AM

See the full schedule here: https://inlandmarineexpo.com/schedule/

📷 photo by The Seamen's Church Institute

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