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pharmacist J. W. Higman and partner Louis Smaihall , originally carried logs on the Sabine River to a local lum- ber mill and move water to spots in Louisiana. The firm started with two small tugs and three barges, and then shifted its focus as demand for crude oil and petroleum products grew. In 1953, Higman bought the former Pan American Refining Co.'s marine fleet, comprised of three boats and ten barges.From the 1960s to 1990s, Higman modernized its fleet, periodically adding new boats and barges. In 1992, the company celebrated its 75th anniversary by christening the industry's first crude oil tows built to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. In 1997, Higman again expanded, acquiring Maryland Marine Inc., growing the fleet by 40 percent in the process. In recent years, the firm has continued building boats and barges, and has opted for increased horsepower and barge capacity. Notable newcomers to the company's tow- boat fleet include the M/V Orange and the M/V San Antonio--both ceremoniously blessed last November. M/V Orange was delivered in early November by Dulac, La.-based Hope Services, which has built over three dozen vessels for Higman. And the M/V San Antonio was deliv- ered at about the same time by Southwest Shipyard in Texas. The M/V San Bernard, constructed by Southwest Shipyards, began service last September. HIGMANTODAY : AMODELFORTOMORROW Earnings of privately-owned Higman Marine are propri- etary. George H. Thomas is president and director of the company. All of the company?s vessels are U.S. flagged. Keenan neatly sums up the firm?s approach to its activities. ?Our core business is focused on our customers, and we try to tailor our equipment and services to them,? he said. ?We don't want to be all things to all people, but instead focus on our service area, trying to be the best at it.? To that end, Higman remains committed to giving its cus- tomers environmentally safe, efficient water transporta- tion. As one the oldest U.S. inland marine companies, itnevertheless has one of its newest fleets of pushboats and tank barges in the business. In today?s highly regulated and financially uncertain market conditions, privately- held Higman therefore remains a model for both small and large operators. What?s not to like? www.marinelink.com MN31MN#2 (18-31):MN 2011 Layouts 2/3/2012 11:35 AM Page 31