In a consolidation move within the US Jones Act market, Maritime Partners has inked a deal to acquire Centerline Logistics, one of the country’s top coastal tanker and marine services providers.
The agreement will see an entity managed by Maritime Partners take over Centerline from its current backers, Macquarie Capital and Silverbox Capital’s Steve Kadenacy. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the transaction is expected to close in the third quarter pending regulatory sign-off.
Founded in 2015, New Orleans-based Maritime Partners has become a dominant player in domestic vessel leasing, with a portfolio nearing 1,800 assets. The company specialises in financing Jones Act tonnage across a range of sectors including tankers, tugs, and barges.
“Centerline’s impressive growth, long-term customer relationships, and talented team reflect the sort of demonstrated track record that is essential for a long-term partnership,” said Maritime Partners CEO Bick Brooks, calling the deal a “strategic opportunity.”
Headquartered in Seattle, Centerline Logistics operates one of the largest Jones Act-qualified fleets of liquid petroleum barges, with operations stretching across the US east, Gulf and west coasts, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The company also handles ship assist, escort services, and emergency towing.
