Canal Barge Company Captains Simpson Kemp, Terry Hall and Daryl Wheeler assisted the U.S. Coast Guard at a temporary portable Vessel Traffic System (VTS) in Natchez, MS, during the recent high-water conditions. Its purpose was to monitor barge traffic to the north and south of Natchez to ensure vessels obeyed the traffic restrictions. The U.S. Coast Guard and industry groups place portable VTS trailers at critical points in the river system to ensure safe passage of mariners and their cargo during the difficult river conditions. The U.S. Coast Guard relies on industry experts to help provide active monitoring and navigational advice for vessels in particularly confined and busy waterways. Canal Barge Company is proud that our mariners stepped up to assist the industry and help ensure safe navigation of the waterways on which we live and work. 

The Natchez Democrat recently featured an article about the flood damage and the U.S. Coast Guard’s efforts to ensure safe river traffic along the still swollen Mississippi River system that included quotes from longtime CBC Captain Simpson Kemp. To read the article, please click here.

Waterways Council, Inc., the national public policy organization that advocates for a properly funded and well-maintained system of inland waterways and ports, created a video to demonstrate the many benefits, both economic and environmental, the inland waterways system provides our nation. Click here to watch the 30 second video. You can also visit the Waterways Council, Inc. website to learn more about their ongoing efforts to keep the inland waterways system a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Our Nation’s Waterways: Keep America Moving

On June 2, 2011, the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) honored the U.S. Maritime Industry for safe marine operations at the Annual Safety Awards Luncheon held at the Loews Hotel in New Orleans. Jones F. Devlin Awards are given to vessels that have operated for at least two years without a lost-time injury.

At Canal Barge Company, we know that confidence starts with good people and we are proud to announce a total of 19 CBC towboats earned 2010 Jones F. Devlin honors. Two CBC vessels have operated 15 consecutive years without a lost-time injury! Canal Barge continues to be proud of our exceptional crews for demonstrating our strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

MV ELIZABETH HUGER – 15 years
MV ELIZABETH LANE – 15 years
MV NED MERRICK – 12 years
MV SUSAN L. STALL – 9 years
MV CHOCTAW – 9 years
MV LIBERTY – 9 years
MV MARY LUCY LANE – 7 years
MV CAROLINE – 5 years
MV MARIAN HAGESTAD – 5 years
MV ELLY LANE – 4 years
MV HAMILTON – 4 years
MV INTEGRITY – 4 years
MV JOSEPH M. JONES – 4 years
MV LAKE CHARLES – 4 years
MV BULL CALF – 3 years
MV KILLIAN L. HUGER – 3 years
MV MERRICK JONES – 2 years
MV INNOVATOR – 2 years