Inland Pushboat - Past Reports

In June 2024, Marcon reported 23 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 810 tracked. This is down significantly from one and five years ago. With barge traffic returning to pre-Covid levels, utilization and revenue levels remain high. In turn, very few push boats and inland barges are available for sale. Owner price ideas for those available are higher than most buyers want to spend, especially for older tonnage which may require overhauls or recertification before being put to work. Transactions across borders are slower to process than in the past with delays in government processes and increased emphasis on proving compliance with individual, company and country sanctions.

In December 2023, Marcon reported 45 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 819 tracked. This is down from one and five years ago. The U.S. inland market seemed slower in 2023 than in 2022, with continuing low water levels, lingering effects from the pandemic shutdown and long distance impact of hostile actions in key foreign ports. However, operators saw high utilization and strong charter rates for both inland towboats and barges. Marcon continues to see a very limited supply of good second-hand tonnage for sale.

In June 2023, Marcon reported 52 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 816 tracked. This is down slightly from one year ago and down significantly from five years ago. The U.S. inland market has slowed somewhat compared to 2022. Supply chain normalization and more normal water levels has brought demand more toward balance. The inland tank barge market remains on strong footing. Tank barge operators are seeing utilization rates in excess of 90% driving higher pricing. Although demand is strong for inland push boats, second hand supply continues to be very limited.

In December 2022, Marcon reported 60 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 810 tracked. This is up from one year ago, but down from five years ago. The U.S. inland market finished the year a mixed bag for 2022. On the downside, poor weather and low water levels on rivers caused major delays, plus lack of crews impacted operations. However, operators saw high utilization and strong charter rates for both inland towboats and barges. Marcon continues to see a very limited supply of good second-hand tonnage for sale.

In June 2022, Marcon reported 49 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 796 tracked. This is down 9.26% and 46.15% from one and five years ago, respectively. The U.S. inland market has been stronger in 2022. Major drivers continue to include supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine, general inflationary pressures and high fuel prices. Overall Marcon has seen an increase in activity across several maritime sectors in the first half of 2022, with a limited supply of good second-hand vessels and barges being the primary factor influencing the number of sales.

In December 2021, Marcon reported 39 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 783 tracked. This is down 40 (50.63%) from one year ago in November 2020 and 27 (40.91%) from November 2016. The inland market continued to improve during the 4th quarter of 2021, despite some headwinds. Overall 2022 is looking to be a strong year for inland operators. Although demand is strong for inland push boats, second hand supply continues to be very limited, therefore sales of push boats continue to be few and far between.