Low River Levels, Soaring Barge Freight Curb U.S. Grain Exports
Numerous barges have run aground on the lower Mississippi River, and grain barge shipping rates are soaring to historic highs this week, as drought has dropped inland waterways to levels not seen in decades.And with little rain in the forecast, the low water levels are hampering already sluggish grain exports at the U.S. Gulf Coast, where some 60% of U.S. corn, soybean and wheat exports exit the country.The logistical snarls come as the Midwest harvest progresses and the busiest crop export season starts…
J.F. Brennan Tallies $23.5 Million Lock and Dam Contract
La Crosse, Wis. based marine construction firm J.F. Brennan Co. Inc. has secured a contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for work at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Rockdale, Ill.The company was the sole bidder for the $23,484,700 firm-fixed-price contract, which will see it install a miter gate installation and replace machinery at the site. Work is estimated to be completed by January 19, 2024.The Brandon Road Lock and Dam is a lock and dam complex along the Des Plaines River in Joliet, Illinois.
WESMAR $1.2M Egyptian Contract
WESMAR (Western Marine Electronics) announced that the $1.2m contract they have to equip Egyptian built vessels with their all stainless steel counter rotating dual prop bow thrusters for highly controlled maneuvering in restricted situations, is progressing on schedule despite the political unrest in Egypt. The 100-meter Watania 202 has entered service in the Nile River, joining Wantania 201, which launched late last year. Both vessels are part of the Nile Cargo Project, which is on target to restore commercial barge travel along the Nile River and relieve Egypt’s highway congestion and reduce high transportation costs.The entire project will eventually see 62 of these state-of-the-art, fuel efficient, and environmetnally friendly vessels on the Nile, says WESMAR President Bruce H.
