Parker Towing Acquires General Marine Services

Parker Towing Company, a Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based maritime transportation company, announced October 11 it has acquired General Marine Services (GMS), a Baton Rouge, La.-based tank barge operator. 

The acquisition of GMS expands Parker Towing’s current tank barge division and fits into its strategy to continue to diversify and grow from a traditionally dry cargo carrier. GMS operates a fleet of eleven 30,000-barrel tank barges and seven towboats and provides services to customers in the refining industry. Among the towboats are the mvs. Angela Renee, Ava Claire, Becky Garcia, Reverend Hartley and Syble Fay. 

“Gene Moore and GMS have a long-standing reputation of providing high quality service to its customers,” said Tim Parker III, president of Parker Towing Company. By acquiring GMS, Parker Towing will be able to offer a broader array of services to current and future customers.”  

The acquisition brings Parker’s tank barge division to 10 boats and 17 barges, he said.

Founded in 2015, GMS specializes in liquid cargo transportation services for oil, gas and petrochemical industries. 

“GMS shares many of the same core values as Parker Towing Company with a focus on providing high-quality customer service and a commitment to safety and sustainability,” said Gene Moore, president of GMS. “GMS is excited to partner with Parker Towing and to work with their senior management team.”  

The GMS management team will continue in their current roles.