Inland Pushboat - Past Reports

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.

In June 2021, Marcon reported 54 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 781 tracked. This is down 19 (26.03%) from one year ago in May 2020 and 12 (18.18%) from May 2016. While the market challenges of the latter half of 2020 continued into first quarter 2021, improvements were seen in second quarter 2021. These improvements seem to be linked to economies opening back up as more of the population is vaccinated. Improved barge movements and utilization were noted in second quarter 2021, but transportation channels are still backlogged with little relief expected soon, especially in light of the resurgence in COVID-19 cases and resulting impact on travel and businesses.

In December 2020, Marcon reported 64 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 786 tracked. This is down 22 from one year ago in November 2019 and three or 4.92% over November 2015. The inland push boat market continued to face challenges in the latter half of 2020. Reductions in demand for petroleum products and chemicals due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in utilization dropping by around one third. Whether we get back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2021 is anyone's guess, but at least utilization rates seem to have bottomed out. Sales of push boats continue to be few and far between. Many buyers, across multiple market segments, have been stymied by project delays, an uncertain economy and travel restrictions.

In May 2020, Marcon reported 73 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 779 tracked. This is down 25 from our last report published in August 2019, 22 less than one year ago in May 2019 and six or 8.96% more than in May 2015. Push boats need barges to push. It appears that there are plenty of barges in the market, but whether they need to be pushed anywhere, or not, will have an effect on the demand for tonnage. Currently Marcon does not have any sales of pushers to report, and the sale and purchase market continues to be having a tough ride - at least on the dry cargo side of the market.

In August 2019, Marcon reported 97 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 774 tracked. This is down 12 from our last report published in February 2019, six less than one year ago, August 2018, and 12 more than August 2014. The average age of all push boats in the market through Marcon is 47 years, compared to 48 years one year ago and 40 years old five years ago. We have seen continued scrapping, especially within fleets trying to consolidate after recent mergers. Major owners reported tight market conditions and increased utilization for second quarter 2019.

Marcon reports 109 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 763 tracked. This is up six from our last report published in August 2018. This is two more than one year ago, February 2018, and 24 more than February 2014. The average age of all push boats in the market through Marcon is 46 years, compared to 43 years last February and 42 years old February 2014. Older units are being pushed onto the market due to consolidation of the inland market and new or pending safety regulations.

Marcon reports 103 push boats officially on the market for sale out of 752 tracked. This is down 10 from our last report published in November 2017. This is four less than one year ago in August 2017 and seven more than in August 2013. Recent increases in coal exports, frac sand transport, and a decent grain market revived demand for hopper barges (and thus push boats).

Hitting a new record high, Marcon had 113 inland river pushboats officially on the market for sale out of 746 tracked. Owners continue to lay-up and dispose of select idle / under-utilized tonnage.

The highest reported since February 2003, Marcon had 107 inland river pushboats officially on the market for sale out of 739 tracked. Due to present and possible future market conditions, owners are looking to dispose of idle tonnage.