Terral RiverService’s Vicksburg Shipyard Acquires Big River Shipbuilding
Vicksburg Shipyard LLC, a subsidiary of Terral RiverService, has acquired Big River Shipbuilding, located on the Yazoo River Diversion Canal in Vicksburg, Miss. With this acquisition, Vicksburg Shipyard will now own and operate the shipyard.
The move marks a significant step in Terral RiverService’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its operations and capabilities within the inland marine industry.
Big River Shipbuilding, which J.O. Smith and his family owned and operated for more than 35 years, has been a critical player in the Mississippi River region’s maritime industry. The acquisition allows Terral RiverService to further expand its footprint in the region, enabling the Lake Providence, La.-based company to better serve its customers with reduced downtime and enhanced services.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Big River Shipbuilding over the past quarter-century,” J.O. Smith said in a statement. “This decision to sell to Terral RiverService comes after careful consideration, and I am confident that this transition will provide the shipyard with the resources and stability it needs to continue growing. I believe Terral’s expertise and vision will take the shipyard where it needs to go, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of the business under their ownership.”
Gabe Gattle, president of Terral RiverService, said the acquisition reflects the trust and relationship that exists between the Smiths and the Terral family.
“We are excited about the acquisition of Big River Shipbuilding,” said Gattle, who assumed the role of president at the start of this year. “The Terral and Smith families have always shared a great deal of mutual respect, and we are honored that J.O. Smith and the Smith family have entrusted us to carry their shipyard business forward into the future. We look forward to welcoming Big River’s employees, serving Big River Shipbuilding’s existing customers and enhancing Terral’s capabilities to meet our own shipyard and fabrication needs.”
Josh Knichel, vice president of business development for Terral RiverService, added, “We hope to continue building upon the business the Smith family has created. Acquiring Big River Shipbuilding will significantly enhance our ability to meet the needs of the customers we serve. We are confident that this acquisition will help us expand our operations, provide long-term growth and create more job opportunities in the Vicksburg area. We look forward to working closely with the Big River team and continuing to build on the company’s long history of success.”
The acquisition of Big River Shipbuilding became effective March 1, and the transition to Vicksburg Shipyard LLC as the new owner will proceed as the companies work together to integrate their operations.
Terral RiverService was formed in 1992 by John C. Terral and Tom Gattle with the merger of Terral Barge Line and Great River Grain. Today, Terral RiverService is a full-service river transportation and logistics company, offering barge transportation, stevedoring, rock sales and ship repair. For more information, visit www.terralriverservice.com.
Featured image caption: From the left, pictured are representatives from Terral RiverService, Vicksburg Shipyard and Big River Shipbuilding, including Pamela Netterville Grady, Josh Knichel, Tom Gattle, Gabe Gattle, Eden Smith Stegall and J.O. Smith. (Photo courtesy of Terral RiverService)
