CHEM CARRIERS
BOATS, BARGES AND FLEETING IN LOUISIANA
Powered by Inside America
insideAMERICAMAG.com
CHEM CARRIERS
I PROFILE
Chem Carriers is based in Sunshine, Louisiana, and operates on the lower Mississippi River between Corpus Christi and New Orleans. Director of Marketing Nick Kohnke explained more about the company’s decades of expertise in the inland marine liquid transportation industry.
44 Inside america
C
hem Carriers, a company rooted in tradition and excellence, was founded by Frank Banta with help
from his brother Robert Banta. Their deep seated connection to the towing industry has shaped a remarkable success story. Raised on the river, the Banta brothers started towing vessels for their father’s company from their early teens, instilling in them a lifelong passion for the maritime world. One of the distinctive aspects that sets Chem Carriers apart is its family touch. In an industry where many have moved
Inside america 45
LABORDE PRODUCTS Laborde Products is a renowned supplier of top-quality marine engines and cutting-edge power solutions. With a customer-centric approach and a vast array of products, the company has earned an exceptional reputation as a reliable and trusted partner in the maritime industry. With 25 years of experience, Laborde Products continues to lead the way in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for marine applications throughout the inland waterways.
editorial mention
46 Inside america
Inside america 47
CHEM CARRIERS
I PROFILE
toward corporate structures led by
that a company does not need a complex
lawyers, accountants, and bankers,
hierarchy to get things done.
Chem Carriers remains true to its family roots. Frank and Robert continue to participate
The company’s journey began in 1994 as a barge building business, but took a pivotal turn in 2005 when Hurricane
actively in the company’s operations,
Katrina necessitated a shift into the
with Frank as the Managing Owner and
towing sector due to a shortage of horse-
Robert as the Port Captain. This hands on
power. This strategic move allowed Chem
approach ensures a level of responsiveness
Carriers to gain more control over the
that is often hard to find elsewhere, proving
quality of service provided to customers. In 2010, another phase of growth saw the company diversify further, entering the unit tow side of the business. Today, Chem Carriers boasts a formidable fleet, including 13 towboats, 52 inland tank barges, and a 174 barge capacity fleeting service. With 115 employees on the vessels and 25 shoreside, the company is a well oiled machine, dedicated to providing top-notch services.
48 Inside america
Bespoke boats Innovation is at the core of Chem Carriers’ operations. The company is currently building two retractable boats. These boats, known for their control and maneuverability, are equipped with large wheels and rudders, ensuring that they punch above their weight class. This forward thinking approach, combined with a focus on using time tested design principles, underlines Chem Carriers’ dedication to excellence. “We were highly impressed with the design, receiving commendations from
enhancing safety measures, including spud barges, to secure the fleet. We are open for business.”
crews on our other two boats,” explained Mr. Kohnke. “This choice ensures uniformity
The significance of safety
in parts, facilitating easy access to spares
Safety is paramount in the maritime
and streamlining operations. Embracing
industry, and Chem Carriers is no exception.
the belief in the efficacy of older boat
The company places a strong emphasis on
designs from the ‘40s and ‘50s, Frank
maintaining a vigilant approach to health
knows that smaller rudders prevent water
and safety. Regular inspections, drills, and
capture, thereby losing efficiency.
accessible online resources for the crew
“These boats truly shine in action. During a
ensure that safety remains a top priority.
project to move a massive deck barge with
Additionally, Chem Carriers invests in
project cargo, our vessels outperformed
its team through an outstanding training
the others. The customer, astonished at
program, fostering a culture of continuous
performance, acknowledged the remark-
improvement. Employees are encouraged
able controllability of our vessel.
to be involved in all aspects of the busi-
“This holds immense significance for
ness, from top to bottom, ensuring that
us as it has the capacity for 50 to 60
the team remains well prepared to tackle
barges. Already operational, we are
any challenges that may arise.
Inside america 49
CHEM CARRIERS
I PROFILE
“In the dynamic marine environment, always subject to change,” Mr. Kohnke
company to help out in a way that others could not.
reflected, “tow boating is essentially an
“Facing hazardous conditions with the
outdoor sport. Dealing with constant ele-
river gauge at 34 feet, we ensured safe
ments and challenges requires a strong
barge transport for a customer with a
emphasis on training our personnel and
refinery,” he explained. “This not only kept
cultivating them within the company.”
the plant operational but solidified our rela-
As Chem Carriers looks to the future,
tionship. It demonstrated our commitment
the commitment to excellence and
to going above and beyond, accomplishing
growth remains unwavering. Its history
what other companies couldn’t do safely.”
of overcoming obstacles and consistently
As with its own customers, Chem
exceeding customer expectations sets
Carriers prioritizes the maintenance of a
Chem Carriers on a path to continued
strong relationship with suppliers based
success. The company prioritizes relation-
on trust and respect.
ships, both with customers and suppliers,
“We value honesty, transparency,
built on trust, transparency, and going the
and going the extra mile in our vendors,”
extra mile.
Mr. Kohnke said. “Long term relationships are built when suppliers provide excep-
A bright future
tional service and show a willingness to
Chem Carriers has a strong history of over-
work with us in time sensitive situations
coming the odds to succeed. Mr. Kohnke
to get the job done.”
recalled an occasion when high water on the Mississippi at Baton Rouge allowed the
50 Inside america
For Mr. Kohnke, the satisfaction of a job well done is what motivates him each
day. “Engaging with customers, earning
ensures long term partnerships with our
their business, and surpassing expecta-
customers, reflecting our dedication to
tions to build lasting relationships is truly
being more than a vendor, but a partner
rewarding,” he said, in conclusion. “Our
who is an extension of their company, and
commitment to exceeding standards
who has the same set of values.”
n
Inside america 51