The Waterways Journal

12/29/2025

Submit a proposal for an Inland Marine Expo Education Session and bring your insights to the stage. We’re looking for topics on operations, safety, workforce, shipbuilding, tech/AI, market trends, funding, infrastructure, propulsion, and more. All session proposals will be reviewed with responses by January 30, 2026. 🔗 bit.ly/4pNI5M8

12/22/2025

Nominate a standout young professional for the 40 Under 40 Award and help recognize the rising leaders shaping the future of the inland marine industry — from deckhands and engineers to port operators and consultants.
🔗

The IMX 40 Under 40 Award honors outstanding young professionals in the inland and intracoastal community.

12/22/2025

Capt. David Smith shares the backstory of portrait of Ashland Oil & Refining Company's entire fleet, which became a Christmas present for company founder Paul Blazer.

Picking that perfect Christmas present for the boss is always a challenge.

12/22/2025

Since 1887, The Waterways Journal has been the trusted voice of the inland waterways industry. A print or digital subscription makes a thoughtful gift for colleagues, clients, and industry partners.

Give the gift of WJ - delivered all year long.

Simply select “Gift” on the subscription page.
https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/subscribe/

12/21/2025

George Leavell reflects on what led him to the maritime industry and what's kept him there.

Click here to read more:

It was a love of the people and the relationships within the maritime industry that led George Leavell to change careers.

12/21/2025

The Seamen's Church Institute held its annual River Bell Awards Luncheon December 11 in Paducah, Ky. During the event, SCI honored George G. Leavell, Marty Hettel and William Barr with individual awards and the crews of the mvs. Susan Robinson and Mary Moran with lifesaving awards.

The Seamen’s Church Institute’s 25th annual River Bell Awards Luncheon raised a record $537,000 in support of SCI’s chaplaincy, crisis response, advocacy and training programs for mariners...

12/21/2025

Most people who don’t work in the maritime industry experience the Mississippi River from afar. But for the Bettis family, experiencing the river meant jumping in with both feet—or in this case, 16.

Most people who don’t work in the maritime industry experience the Mississippi River from afar.

12/20/2025

Check out some of The Waterways Journal staff's favorite images from the past year. #2025

These are just some of The Waterways Journal staff’s favorite photos from 2025. Featured image caption: The mv. Omaha passes under a gathering storm on the Lower Mississippi River near Turn Services’ Meraux Fleet, located at Mile 86.5 above Head of Passes on the right descending bank. Turn Servi...

12/19/2025

The year 2025 was a blur, with fast-moving and fast-changing trade policies, blockbusting mergers and acquisitions in the maritime industry, memorable christenings and headline-grabbing infrastructure construction and repairs. Read on to take a look back at 2025.

A look back at the year 2025 shows a bumpy but exhilarating ride.

12/18/2025

Ready to get your brand in front of the people who move America’s waterways? Sponsorship at the Inland Marine Expo connects you directly with the operators, engineers, contractors, and decision-makers driving inland and intracoastal commerce.

With 250+ exhibitors, expert-led sessions, and unmatched networking, IMX is where business gets done.

👉 Explore sponsorship opportunities at inlandmarineexpo.com or reach out to Susie Jensen: 📞 513.304.1784 | ✉️ [email protected]

12/16/2025

Is the Inland Marine Expo on your 2026 calendar?

⚓ IMX brings together leaders from across the inland and intracoastal waterways, Great Lakes, Gulf, and beyond — all under one roof in Music City. Online registration for is now open. Secure your spot for May 27–29, 2026, in Nashville and start planning your trip.

➡️ Get started: inlandmarineexpo.com

12/15/2025

Print subscribers: We noticed a minor printing issue in our latest issue of The Waterways Journal. To ensure your reading experience meets the high standard you expect from us, we are resending the latest issue to our full print subscriber list.

And stay tuned - our Annual Review / Holiday Edition is coming soon and is one you won’t want to miss! 🌟