Current Market Reports

The tank barge market is currently experiencing extreme tightness, with a very limited number of vessels available for sale or charter in both inland and ocean segments. The supply of barges for sale has decreased sharply compared to previous years. While newbuilding activity continues - with 19 newly-built tank barges registered in 2025 under US Coast Guard and more on order from major operators - it is insufficient to offset ongoing retirements. High demand and utilization have led to rising prices and charter rates. With shipyards near capacity and long lead times, the market is expected to remain tight for several years, compounded by risks such as trade tensions and supply chain uncertainties.

Marcon's latest report spotlights a swiftly changing offshore supply market in 2025, with vessel listings for tug supply boats, PSVs, and crew boats all dropping sharply, compared to previous years. The fleet makeup is shifting, particularly with fewer high-horsepower AHTSs and larger PSVs available, while the crew boat segment has seen notable declines across almost all size categories. Despite tightening supplies and persistent uncertainty from U.S. policy shifts, global tensions, and softer oil prices, the industry remains resilient, marked by high utilization rates, ongoing fleet modernization, and a strong focus on decarbonization and innovation. Marcon's own activity reflects this environment: after closing 2024 with 20 sales, two charters, and one delivery, only three sales have been completed so far in 2025.

Marcon observes significant tightness in the inland marine transportation market, with pushboat and barge availability at a multi-year low. In 2024, companies benefited from high utilization rates and improved contract pricing, leading to increased asking prices for available units. However, the industry faces challenges including fleet renewal needs, mariner shortages, inflationary pressures, and market volatility from recent administrative actions of tariffs, federal funding freezes, and postponement or cancelation of contracts. The interplay of tight supply, high demand, and external factors makes projecting 2025 performance difficult, creating uncertainty in the sector's future trends.

The tug market in 2024 presents a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities, as revealed by Marcon's comprehensive data. Of 13,300 vessels tracked as of November 2024, only 244 tugs are officially for sale worldwide - a 59.20% decrease from November 2019, driving up prices for quality vessels. Despite the tight market, sales activity continues, with notable transactions on both U.S. coasts. The industry grapples with high costs of re-powering older vessels to meet stringent environmental regulations, while simultaneously facing a shortage of affordable vessels and Z-peller tugs. This evolving scenario, coupled with the push for decarbonization and emergence of electric and hybrid designs, presents both challenges and potential rewards for operators who can balance higher upfront costs with long-term operational savings and compliance benefits.