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BY THE NUMBERS ing and horizontal drilling has fueled its oil production Industry participants have recently focused on merg- over the last decade. In the U.S., the crude oil production ers, collaborations, and partnerships. For instance, in has increased from 3.8 million barrels to approximately 9 May 2012, Ingram Marine Company completed the ac- million barrels per day; a 137% rise. Due to the increased quisition of United Barge Line for the expansion of its production of crude oil, the demand of tank barges has workforce and strengthening of its inland footprint. This increased considerably over the past years in the region. acquisition further helped the company in the extension

Barge transportation market has numerous partici- of its product line by adding 650 barges and 17 towboats. pants in these markets. American Commercial Barge Line In May 2016, Kirby Corporation acquired inland barge (ACBL), Ingram Marine Group, Kirby Corporation,