Pilot Thomas Logistics Announces Acquisition of U.S. Bunker and Maritime Players

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday October 5, 2015

Fort Worth, Texas-based Pilot Thomas Logistics (PTL) has announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in local U.S. bunker and marine players Economy Boat Store (EBS) and Radcliff / Economy Marine Services (Radcliff Economy).

Founded in 1936, EBS and Radcliff Economy were said to be "leading marine suppliers of diesel fuel, lube oil, supplies, and terminal services to the commercial barge transportation industry on the Upper and Lower Mississippi River and Gulf Coast.

The operation bases include Wood River, IL; St Louis; MO; Wickliffe, KY; Memphis, TN; Baton Rouge, LA and Mobile, AL.

"We are very pleased to reach an agreement with EBS and Radcliff Economy Marine Services. We are happy to be partnering with the present owners and management team of EBS and Radcliff Economy Marine Services," said Scott Prince, President and CEO of PTL.

"The partnership will enhance our marine fuel, lubricants, and supply segments, and add experienced leadership to our team.

"Both companies have developed outstanding long-term relationships with customers and suppliers in the marine fueling industry in the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast markets."

The current owners of EBS & Radcliff Economy are said to be continuing on as both financial and operating partners for the businesses, and as a result there is not expected to be any change in the daily business management.

In early September, the U.S. Coast Guard estimated as much as 250,000 gallons of HFO cutter stock was spilled into the Mississippi River as a result of two tow boats colliding on the evening of September 2, just north of Columbus, Kentucky.