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A Look at Kirby Corporation and Inland Trends

“The courage to press on regardless – regardless of whether we face calm seas or rough seas, and especially when the market storms howl around us – is the quintessential attribute of the successful investor.”

 

John C. Bogle

While most vessel owners/operators keep their numbers under wraps, publicly traded companies, such as The Kirby Corporation, publish an annual report of their performance for shareholders. These reports are a wealth of information that can help us understand trends in our industry.

Kirby’s income increased over 2021 despite still dealing with the fallout of Covid-19 as well as low water conditions in the Mississippi River during the 4th quarter. With the current river levels just as bad or worse than 2021, we may see repercussions in next year’s report. These external factors demonstrate how events beyond the control of a board of directors can affect a business. About two thirds of Kirby’s 5,200 employees are boat crew. Many tugs experienced extensive downtime and delays due to insufficient crewing as a result of the pandemic. Additionally, the low river conditions in the 4th quarter created a year-over-year increase of 33% in delay days.

Vessel maintenance costs were another influence on Kirby’s bottom line. Although it was not stated in the report, these costs could possibly be attributed to delayed repairs during Covid due to a desire to conserve funds and the possible shortage of shipyard labor. Along these lines, with Subchapter M coming into effect in 2018, the first cycle of 5-year inspections will begin next year.

Kirby’s inland tank barge fleet comprises 26% of the US fleet with 1,037 barges: 356 are 20,000-bbl or less, to include 10,000-bbl chem barges with an average age of 15.4 years. Additionally, 629 are over 20,000-bbl with an average age of 13.8 years. This leaves 52 specialty barges with an average age of 37 years, primarily pressure vessel barges which are more costly to build. As far as commodities transported, Kirby has 800 clean, 152 black oil, 75 pressure, and 10 anhydrous ammonia barges.

Kirby maintains flexibility by historically supplying about one fourth of its horsepower needs through chartered towboats. Kirby’s tow boat fleet is comprised of 277 vessels with an average age of 16.3 years. Of this fleet, 31 vessels are under 1,300-HP, 5 are over 5,000-HP, and the remaining vessels are between 2,000 to 2,400-HP.

The coastwise fleet consists of a total of 29 barges with an average age of 16.7 years and 6 boats with an average age of 11.8 years. 

The coastal barge fleet runs from 2 at 30,000 bbls. or under, to 6 at over 150,000 bbls. The largest sector is the 80,000 to 90,000 bbl. range with 9 barges. The boats involved coastwise run from 2000-HP to greater than 7000HP. Twenty-four of the 27 are high horsepower, 4000 to 7000, with a low average age of 10.7 years.

The above numbers include owned and chartered. The deep-water fleet consists of 4 owned dry bulk barges with an average age of 24.1 and 5 owned or chartered offshore tugs with an average age of 31.5. (Included here is a small docking tug that is included with the offshore group.)

While most of Kirby’s work is inland waters, including the major rivers, the Ten-Tom Waterway, the Intercoastal Waterway, the Gulf of Mexico, and Gulf to East Coast runs, they also have deepwater and coastal operations.

From 2006 to 2019, the US inland tank barge fleet increased from 2,750 to approximately 4,000 barges. There has been little change since 2019.

In 1989, Kirby acquired Alamo Inland and Brent Towing, and in 1992, Sabine Towing, Old Man River, and Scott Chotin. In 1999, they were part of the 3rd largest inland tank barge company merge with Hollywood Marine. DLS Marine was involved in the appraisals of much of this equipment. I vividly remember Norm Dufour and me spending a very hot week, sunrise to near sunset, surveying the Hollywood Marine fleet for this merger. More recently, in 2020 Kirby bought out Savage Inland Marine.

According to Kirby, 150 tank barges were built in 2020 to replace the same number that were retired. Six of these were inland pressure barges at a total cost reported to be $39,400,000. The inland pressure barge fleet was aging and the demand for liquified gasses was taking off. In 2021, 70 more tank barges were built followed by an additional 22 in 2022.

The Waterways Journal Barge Fleet Survey reported 99 “specialty liquid barges” were in operation in 2022, down from 105 in 2021. The mean age for this section of the fleet is about 26 years. The fleet survey also said that 5-10 new barges have been ordered for 2023. Growth is expected due to the output of new and enlarged refinery capacity. But there is no expectation of reduced utilization of the current fleet. Around 600 tank barges currently in use are at least 30 years old with 400 of those being at least 40. The average age of the total inland fleet is approximately 17 years. Based on these statistics, the industry standard for a domestic tank barge is to be economically feasible for 35 years.

About 49% of Kirby’s 2022 revenue was from the transportation of petrochemical products, 28% was black oil, including ship bunkers (fuel), and 20% was refined products like gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heating oils, and ethanol. Petrochemical demand is mostly driven by national and world economies. Domestically, there are also factors, such as the impacts of Covid, hurricanes, and flooding impacts on coastal refineries.

An interesting side note on the use of ship fuels: the most common ship fuel, Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), is a waste product of the refinery process. With the rapid move towards cleaner ship fuels, something will have to be done with the excess HFO. 

In 2020-2021, 65% of Kirby’s income was comprised of long-term contracts leaving 35% to as-needed demand. In 2022, this ratio changed to 60/40. Additional barges are required to meet the output terms of contracts, which leaves fewer barges available for the spot market.

Kirby’s overall operating margin for 2021 was 4.8% while 2022 was 8.4%. This difference was mainly because of Covid and hurricanes in the GOM.

Projecting into 2024 and possibly 2025, many tank barges will have to undergo their 10‑year USCG mandated drydock and inspection. Since 2012, new construction demands have continued to grow, leaving tank barges vying for shipyard space. This, in addition to shortages of qualified shipyard workers, begs the question of how barge inspection requirements will be met. One estimate is that 10% of the entire inland tank barge fleet will be competing for shipyard spaces every year for the next few years. A shortage of barges produced by this mandated inspection program will subsequently increase barge rates. Will steeper barge rates be able to offset the rising shipyard costs? When the oldest barges go through inspection, it may be determined that for some, it is not cost effective to keep them in operation. For some black oil barges, it would cost more to clean the barge for scrap than the scrap value itself.

A Kirby push boat approaching Algiers Point in New Orleans

KIRBY COASTAL

Kirby operates 11% of the vessels in the coastal movement of liquid cargoes from black oil to refined products. They service the east coast and Gulf coast from Maine to Texas and the Pacific coast from southern California to Washinton. The entire Jones Act coastal fleet of tank barges of 195,000-bbls or less consists of 270 barges operated by 20 companies. The average age of these barges is 16 years with less than 10% of the fleet over 25 years. Many of these barges will need to comply with the USCG ballast water treatment regulations at a cost that can exceed $1,000,000. This, and the generally low utilization of barges in this sector, may force scrapping older barges.

As with inland, the barges are in black oil and refined products use. Twenty-one are in refined service and 8 are black oil. Most of this is done under term contracts that usually last more than a year. In 2020, 85% were term and 15% spot. In 2021, it was 80/20 and in 2022, 75/25.

There are several offshore dry cargo barges that Kirby runs on long-term contract, transporting raw sugar from Florida up the east coast. These hoppers can alternatively carry fertilizer, coal, and occasionally rain.

Kirby does not anticipate building new ATBs for coastal service. They are diversified with both term and spot contracts and numerous routes. Five of their customers accounted for 17-18% of their revenue between 2020-2022 with no single customer accounting for more than 10%.

The refining capacity of the US is decreasing, so the refined products available must be reallocated to include areas that have lost their local product sources. Gulf coast products are now being shipped to the west coast tying up Jones Act tankers on longer runs, resulting in higher costs for these products. Smaller refineries are now positioned along the inland river system, increasing the need for inland tank barges. Unfortunately, no one is building them.

Per Kirby’s President, Christian O’Neil, the cost of a 30,000-bbl tank barge has increased greatly over the last several years. Steel costs are up 200%, electrical wiring up 30-40%, paint 25%, and consumables (like oil filters) are up 125%. On the boat side, O’Neil comments that the regulatory need for Tier 4 engines can increase the cost of a towboat by 1MM. 

The rates for moving commodities on the inland river system need to be increased 30‑40% to entice owners to invest in equipment that will be meant to last 30-40 years. That is a hard sell.

Coastal tankers fall under the IMO regulations. At a minimum, they must have scrubbers or dual-fuel and in 10-15 years, they may require engines that run on methanol or hydrogen. The owners are also facing the prospect that in 15 or more years the demand for gasoline, aviation fuel, and diesel may be waning as they are replaced by solar, wind, and other alternate power sources.

Another concern looming worldwide is that mariners are aging out of the industry. A new workforce requires training and inevitable turnover costs. Automation, robotics, and AI can only do so much and will take at least a decade to get limited acceptance due to insurance and legality considerations.

A GENERAL LOOK AT INLAND

Low water conditions have a dramatic effect on tonnage carried as well as the width and length of the tows possible. Hopper barges can only load at partial capacity, at around a 9’ draft. That reduces the capacity of a 14’ deep hopper barge from 2300 tons to 1650 tons, about a 30% loss.

In response, this means the fewer barges available can warrant higher prices. Alternatively, this could be a win for boats open to chartering as additional boats are needed to move the smaller tows.

Regarding the coal market, it is on the decline from 2022 as natural gas becomes cheaper. Coal fired power plants are either closing or reducing their operational capacities. Some of the revenue generation from coal deliveries in Q1-Q2 were to refineries that were idle. Coal fired plants now have stockpiles that should last 3-4 months as they were receiving coal even as usage went down. 

Comparing 2nd quarter 2022 to 2nd quarter 2023, coal use for electrical generation is down 25.8 % while natural gas is up 7.9% and solar 11.2%.

Fasten your seatbelts, the future of inland river transportation might get a bit choppy.

-Norman Laskay

If you’d like to keep this conversation going, please email me at nlaskay@DLSmarine.com

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Mondi Semsar - DLS Marin

Mondi Semsar

Hull, Machinery, & Digital Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Bulk Commodity Management
  • Digital Surveying Techniques
  • Quality Control and Safety Compliance
  • Operational Efficiency Optimization

Education:

  • CFR Part 107
  • AS in Accounting
  • AS in PTEC (Oil Processing and Operations)
  • AA in Allied Health
  • NASM CNC (Certified Nutrition Coach)
  • NASM BCS (Behavior Change Specialist)

Background:

Mondi Semsar joined the firm in 2024, bringing over a decade of expertise in bulk commodity management, operational efficiency, USDA grade standards for grain inspection, and quality control. Prior to this, he worked as a Surveyor and Bulk Commodity Supervisor at Russell Marine Group and served as a Manager and Instructor in the health and wellness industry. With specialized knowledge in large-scale grain operations and regulatory compliance, both domestically and internationally, Mondi applies a holistic, disciplined approach to every project, prioritizing precision, safety, and client engagement.

msemsar@dlsmarine.com
Anthony J. “Tony” Anselmi - Hull & Machinery Surveyor - DLS Marine

Anthony J. “Tony” Anselmi

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Damage Surveys
  • Condition Surveys
  • Trip in Tow/Trip Under Own Power Suitability Surveys
  • On/Off Charter Surveys

Education:

  • B.A. – Political Science – Nicholls State University
  • NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor
  • USPAP and ME 201 – American Society of Appraisers

Background:

Anthony started his maritime career on shrimp trawling vessel working with his grandfather at the age 15. While studying at Nicholls State University, Anthony worked for Danos & Curole during the summers and breaks as a rigger/roustabout working at shoreside facilities between Galliano and Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Anthony joined DLS in May 2024. Anthony brings seventeen years of marine surveying experience working on a variety of inland and offshore vessels/barges and is a Certified Marine Surveyor with the National Association of Marine Surveyors. Anthony is based in Louisiana and accepts assignments in hull and machinery damage surveys, condition surveys for financial, insurance and pre-purchase purposes, on/off hire surveys, trip in tow/trip under own power surveys, damage claims review, and salvage monitoring.
tanselmi@dlsmarine.com
Matt McDaniel DLS Marine Survey and Appraisal

Matt McDaniel

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Damage Assessment and Repairs
  • Condition
  • Inspections
  • Project Management

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Matt began marine surveying in 2014 and has experience with damage causation, reviewing transit plans, new construction, cargo transfers, salvage operations, on/off charters, and general condition surveys. He joined the Hull & Machinery department at DLS in 2019.

mmcdaniel@dlsmarine.com
Charles Sterling - DLS - UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager

Charles Sterling

UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager

Areas of Expertise:

  • Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles & ROV’s
  • Digital Inspections
  • Computer Technology

Professional Certifications:

  • AS, Computer Information Systems
  • BS, Information Technology
  • FLIR Infrared Training Institute

Certified Specialist in Caterpillar diesel engines to include:

  • CFR Part 107
  • Level 1 sUAS Thermographer
  • Microsoft Certified System Engineer

Background:

Charles joined the firm in 2024, after managing an enterprise drone service provider based in New Orleans. He also teaches basic and advanced UAV class at Delgado Community College. Charles has extensive experience planning, flying complex missions in the Industrial, Chemical and Oil & Gas industries.

csterling@dlsmarine.com

Ave P. Boudreaux

Marine Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Project Management Supervisor (QC) – overseen numerous construction and delivery schedules for vessels
  • Extensive knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and ABS rules and regulations for vessel construction and repair

Education:

  • Rolls-Royce Z-Drive Failure Analysis Seminar
  • Flex-Core and Aluminum Welding Course
  • Extensive training in engine, gear, and shaft alignment
  • Extensive training in vessel repair and new construction

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Mr. Boudreaux has 15 years experience with offshore supply vessels, crewboats, and anchor handling tugs. During this time, he served 8 years in vessel repair and new construction, 3 years in vessel operation and logistics, and 4 years as a vessel port captain.

Mr. Boudreaux served over 3 years as a marine surveyor performing numerous types of surveys in the marine industry prior to joining DLS.

 aboudreaux@dlsmarine.com

Norm Laskay - DLS Marine Valuation

Norman F. Laskay

Of Counsel

Mr. Laskay joined Stickney, Dufour & Associates, Inc. in 1988 as a partner. He is now of Counsel. He became a Marine Surveyor in 1974, having gained prior experience in steamship agency, bulk cargo handling and vessel operations. He has been involved in many aspects of marine surveying including hull, machinery and cargo, both inland and ocean. Since becoming an Accredited Senior Appraiser of commercial marine equipment, he has been active with the American Society of Appraisers’ International Machinery and Technical Specialties Committee. He has written a comprehensive exam for the Commercial Marine Appraisal specialty and has written a 30-hour course for the American Society of Appraisers on appraising commercial marine vessels and yachts and is the lead instructor.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Commercial Marine Appraisal
  • Hull Damage and Repair
  • Cargo Loading, Securing and Trip in Tow Preparation

Education:

  • Maine Maritime Academy Graduate
    B.S. in Marine Transportation
  • Continuing education credits in Law, Appraisal, Marine Survey, and Diesel Repair.

Professional Certification/Memberships:

  • NAMS Regional Board of Directors Member 1989-1994
  • American Society of Appraisers – Chapter Treasurer 1991-1994
  • American Society of Appraisers – Chapter President 1994-1995
  • Mark Twain Club (Charter Member)
  • Machinery and Technical Specialties International Committee 1995-Present

Publications

  • The Journal of the International Machinery & Technical Specialties Committee of the American Society of Appraisers “TUGBOAT DESIGN 101” Vol 13 No. 2 Fall 1996
  • The Journal of the International Machinery & Technical Specialties Committee of the American Society of Appraisers “KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR MARINE ASSET” Vol 13 No. 3 Winter 1996
  • Marine Money, The Ship Finance Publication of Record “ASSET BASED APPRAISAL:, Vol. 21, No. 3, May/June 2006 Wrote the chapter on Marine Asset Appraisal for the American Society of Appraisers text book: “VALUING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF APPRAISING MACHINERY AND TECHNICAL ASSETS” Second Edition. In 2008, revised the chapter for the future Third Edition and wrote an accompanying Work Book section.

Email: nlaskay@dlsmarine.com

  

Harry Ward President DLS Marine

Harry Ward

President

Harry Ward is the President of Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc. Harry is a US Navy veteran and has spent much of the past decade in the maritime industry in sales, finance and general management. He has extensive experience in asset and business valuation and is working to maintain DLS leadership in marine appraisal and survey for another 50 years. Harry is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and served as a helicopter pilot and survival instructor through multiple tours of duty. He has an MBA from San Diego State University.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Fleet and Vessel Appraisals
  • Marine Business Valuation
  • Transaction Support – Due Diligence
  • Transaction Support – Marine M&A Advisory
  • Digital Inspection – Marine and Offshore Wind

Education:

  • U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD – 1991, Bachelor of Science
  • San Diego State University, San Diego, CA – 1999, MBA with emphasis in Finance

Licenses and Professional Associations

  • FINRA Licenses, Series 63 and 79 (Investment Banking)
  • American Society of Appraisers, AM
  • Certified Exit Planning Advisor, CEPA (Business value assessment and strategy development