James A. Hannah Sr. recognized the value of using tank barges to move liquid cargo around the Chicago area in 1948, when he founded Hannah Inland Waterways. His vision, which generated freight savings for former trucking customers, today has been transformed into a wide-ranging fleet of tugs and barges that ply the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway and inland waterways.
In 1979, recognizing the firm's broader scope of operations, Hannah Inland Waterways became Hannah Marine Corporation. In the 1980's, the company served several saltwater markets, carrying various cargoes for customers in the Gulf of Mexico, the southeastern United States coastal area and the Pacific Ocean.
Despite its expanded focus, Hannah Marine's main operations continued to be centered on the Great Lakes, where in 1981 Hannah became the first operator of an articulated tug-barge unit. A year later, Hannah pioneered techniques for offloading cargo in remote locations that had no dock facilities.
Today, Hannah equipment operates year-round on the Great Lakes and in the Chicago harbor area -- one of the first carriers to offer this service.
Throughout its history, Hannah Marine has viewed its customers as partners, working together to solve problems. We look forward to continuing our current relationships and to building new partnerships through timely acquisitions and expansions