TPG Marine acquires Chicago Dry Dock

DECEMBER 12, 2014 — Indianapolis, IN, headquartered TPG Marine Enterprises LLC has purchased Chicago Dry Dock, Inc. Located in Chicago on the Calumet River, the shipyard is the only facility of its kind to offer unencumbered access to both the Great Lakes (via Lake Michigan) and the Inland River System (via the Calumet/Des Plaines/Illinois Rivers).

Founded in 1979 by Haven Kern as Kern Barge Cleaning and Repair, CDD purchased its first dry dock in 1995 and was renamed and incorporated as Chicago Dry Dock in 1996.

Operating from seven secured acres less than three river miles from Lake Michigan, it has 1,200 feet of sheeted wall and two floating dry docks that can accommodate repairs to vessels 262 feet long, 54 feet wide and up to 1500 tons, including tug boats, tow boats, commercial tour and passenger vessels, pleasure boats and barges of all types. The facility also provides comprehensive barge and boat cleaning and topside repairs for vessels in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

“We’ve worked successfully with a number of Illinois waterways and Great Lakes groups in the past,” said TPG Marine President, Don W. Miller, Jr. “We have every confidence we can build an expanded maritime repair and vessel storage business on the solid reputations of Chicago Dry Dock and TPG Marine.”

TPG Marine Chicago Dry Dock will retain the current CDD management and staff, but is poised for new growth from inland river and lake commercial barging customers as well from enhanced repair and wintering options for area pleasure craft.

“TPG Marine’s management team has expressed a real appreciation for the good work we’ve done over the years,” said shipyard founder Haven Kern. “Their understanding of the industry and respect for our operation and staff has made for an immediate professional bond. We’re looking forward to growing with them.”