At Marine Log’s Tugs, Towboats & Barges (TTB) 2026 conference, taking place March 10–11 in Mobile, Ala., attendees will gain practical insights into one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: winning cargo. The presentation “Winning Freight: Convincing Shippers to Make the Modal Shift” will be delivered by Dr. John Daidola, PE, president of New York-based AENY Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
Daidola will examine the economic, operational, and policy factors influencing shipper decisions, with a focus on short sea shipping and Marine Highway opportunities. The session will explore where waterborne transport offers competitive advantages, what barriers continue to limit adoption, and how industry stakeholders can better communicate reliability, cost, and environmental benefits to cargo owners.
Drawing on analysis of U.S. Marine Highway routes, shipper behavior, and modal competition, the presentation will provide attendees with a clearer understanding of how to position marine transportation as a viable solution for bulk, project, and select containerized cargoes.
TTB 2026 will bring together tug, towboat and barge operators, suppliers and industry stakeholders to address the most pressing operational and regulatory issues facing the towing industry.
Registration is open. For questions on sponsorships, please contact David Harkey at [email protected].
About AENY
AENY, located in midtown New York City, is a New York State Certified Engineering Services Organization specializing in naval architecture, marine, mechanical, facilities engineering, and electrical and electronics engineering. Its services are utilized by shipowners, shipyards, state and local governments.
