The U.S.-based shipowner Seacor Holdings (Seacor) has sold of its U.S. harbor towing operations and assets from its subsidiary company Seabulk Towing Holdings (Seabulk) to two U.S. family-owned companies, E.N. Bisso & Son (E.N. Bisso) and Bay-Houston Towing (Bay-Houston).
The sale to E.N. Bisso includes 12 harbor towing vessels across ports in Florida and Alabama.
Bay-Houston is buying eight vessels operating in Texas along the Sabine Neches Navigation District and in the Port of Lake Charles, LA, with expected deliveries late 2023 after usual regulatory approvals has been given.
Seacor mentions in its announcement, that despite this sale Seabulk will continue to own and operate a fleet of tugs and barges in support of its Caribbean terminal and bunkering operations, including the KSM joint venture with partner KOTUG International B.V.
Eric Fabrikant, chief executive officer of SEACOR Holdings says that “E.N. Bisso and Bay-Houston are two industry leading harbor towing providers supported by many decades of safe and reliable operations,” and “They not only offer our people and assets long-term homes, but also ensure the continuation of high-quality service for our customers.”
Matt Holzhalb, president and chief executive officer at E.N. Bisso notes that “Acquiring an industry leading platform in these markets is exciting for E.N. Bisso and enables us to enhance our services in Florida and expand into Alabama,” and “Not only are we growing our fleet with the addition of new, differentiated assets like the innovative Advanced Rotortug, but we are thrilled to welcome such high caliber team members to the E.N. Bisso family.”
Philip Kuebler, president and chief executive officer at Bay-Houston says that “This acquisition expands Bay-Houston’s ability to service our customers across more Texas and Louisiana ports,” and “We look forward to providing both existing and new customers with a smooth transition and serving as a valuable partner for years to come.”
