Special to The Leader

With facilities in Bridge City, Savage provides barge fleeting, towing and dock services in Orange County and the surrounding area, serving the petrochemical and refining industry and contributing to the local economy. In February, Savage obtained a lease from the Texas General Land Office for its FINA Oxbow fleeting area, thanks in part to the support of many people in the area who recognize the benefits of marine transportation and economic growth.

Savage continues to protect the environment by keeping parked barges a minimum of 30 feet from the shoreline and providing surge protection from passing ships. The around-the-clock monitoring of barges by Savage has been a welcome improvement for landowners who appreciate the added protection for their property. At the same time, Savage continues to allow access in the oxbow for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting and boating. Through GLO lease payments, Savage is providing tens of thousands of dollars annually for the state’s Permanent School Fund, benefitting Texas students.

In April, Savage expanded the scope of its marine operations in the Gulf Coast to include barge transportation on the Intracoastal and inland waterways, adding 35 towboats and 63 liquid tank barges. As Savage continues to grow, there will be even more opportunities in the region for high paying jobs, collaboration with educational institutions such as Lamar State College – Orange, and local spending on food, fuel, supplies and maintenance. This increased business activity in Orange County also means more tax revenues to help support local schools, and city and county services.

Savage looks forward to a long and successful partnership with local communities while providing safe, responsible and regulated barge services.