TTB 2026: Reviving aging assets while minimizing downtime

Nick Hunter.

As operators grapple with the realities of a steadily aging U.S. vessel fleet, maintenance strategy and lifecycle management are becoming central to operational resilience. At Marine Log’s Tugs, Towboats & Barges (TTB 2026) Conference, taking place March 10–11 in Mobile, Ala., Nick Hunter, PE, marine engineer IV at Elliott Bay Design Group, will present “Reviving Aging Assets While Minimizing Downtime.”

Hunter’s session will examine best maintenance practices aimed at extending an asset’s functional service life while reducing costly operational interruptions. The presentation will outline key characteristics that strengthen each phase of the maintenance cycle, from planning and inspection through repair and return-to-service.

The session will also highlight the critical role of a resilient incident response team, emphasizing how preparation and coordinated response can mitigate downtime, control risk and protect margins.

TTB 2026 will bring together industry leaders, operators and technical experts to explore the technologies, strategies and regulatory developments shaping the tug, towboat and barge sector.

Registration is open. For questions on sponsorships, please contact David Harkey at [email protected].