New Barge Fleet Survey Completed

The Waterways Journal is pleased to announce the completion of its second Mississippi River System Barge Fleet Survey. With this year’s edition, we have closed the gap in information left by the survey’s previous incarnation and can present the most up-to-date measure of the size and age of the inland barge fleet. Despite the abbreviated survey period, we have exceeded the response rate of last year’s edition, expanding the reach and accuracy of our data collection. Selected results from the survey are provided below, with the complete document available for purchase.

Compared to 2021, 2022 saw a slight rise in the number of barges on the inland waterways, with an overall increase of 0.1 percent. The number of dry cargo barges increased by 0.01 percent, while the number of liquid cargo barges increased by 0.57 percent. The average age of the fleet increased by 5.13 percent, reflecting a lower level of new barge construction. For dry cargo barges, the average age increased by 5.1 percent, while for liquid barges, the increase was 5.77 percent.

According to the survey results, 124 hopper barges were reported to have been retired, compared to 11 tank barges. In addition, the estimated value of a 10-year-old covered hopper barge rose to $579,000, a nearly $10,000 year-over-year increase.

To purchase the 2023 Mississippi River System Barge Fleet Survey, or for other inquiries regarding the data, please contact: Tracey Bohms, tracey@wjinc.net, 314-241-7354, ext. 2150.