Hughes Marine Firms

07/09/2026

This week's Tugs From the Past takes us back to 1975 with the tug Rebel, captured both alongside the pier and underway during her years with East Coast Tender Service.
Built in 1945 in Houston, Texas, Rebel represented the rugged, dependable harbor tugs that kept ports and waterways moving for decades. Measuring 70 feet in length with a 19'9" beam and 8-foot draft, she packed an impressive 1,000 horsepower from a GM 12-567A engine into her compact hull. Homeported in Sea Bright, New Jersey, she was a familiar sight throughout the region, ready to handle the demanding work that defined the waterfront.
While today's tugboats feature modern propulsion systems and advanced technology, vessels like Rebel laid the foundation for the towing industry we know today. They earned their reputation through reliability, simplicity, and countless hours on the water.
Do you remember seeing Rebel at work, or have stories or photos from East Coast Tender Service? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments.

07/06/2026

Last week, our tug "Desperado" was hard at work while on charter in the breathtaking waters of Somes Sound, nestled in the heart of Mount Desert Island near Bar Harbor, Maine. Under blue skies, surrounded by emerald forests, crystal-clear water, and a harbor dotted with yachts, she was a perfect reminder that even a day's work can come with an incredible backdrop.

No matter the scenery, our commitment to safe, reliable service remains the same.

07/04/2026

Brian breaks out the patriotic company swag for the 4th! #
hughesyourdaddy

07/04/2026

Something spectacular is about to light up New York Harbor... ✨
We’ve spent months preparing for one unforgettable night.
Tomorrow, the sky takes over. 🇺🇸 Macy's

07/02/2026

We are excited to take part in the Sail250 events, and Macy’s fireworks along with all of our partners of the Towboat and Harbor Carriers Association of the Port of NY/NJ.

07/02/2026

The Hughes 230 is fresh off her drydock maintenance period at the Hughes Shipyard in Brooklyn. A fresh blast and paint, some steel repair work, and ready to hit the harbor and right back onto charter. She looks almost brand new!

07/01/2026

That guy on the right looks awfully familiar for some reason. ⚓️

Read the latest 40 Under 40 honoree profiles and discover the people making an impact across the inland waterways industry.

🔗 waterwaysjournal.net/2026/06/26/40-under-40-awards-gillespie-heflin-hicks-and-hughes/

This week features:
• Jordan Gillespie, Operations Manager at C-River Logistics
• Blake Heflin, Director of Deck Cargo Services at Canal Barge Company
• Ryan Hicks, Continuous Improvement Manager at Magnolia Marine Transport Co.
• Timothy Hughes, Vice President at Hughes Bros., Inc.

06/10/2026

Hughes 723 on the canal!

06/04/2026

Digging through the archives, we came across this photo of Hughes 134, one of our deck scows, photographed at General Ship in Baltimore in October 1973.
If something looks a little different, you're not imagining it. While Hughes Bros. barges have traditionally worn our familiar green paint, Hughes 134 was sporting an unexpected baby blue coat. More than 50 years later, we're still not entirely sure what inspired the color choice, but it certainly made her stand out from the rest of the fleet!

06/01/2026

Last week, members of the Hughes Bros. team had the opportunity to meet with our brokers and underwriting partners. It was a great chance to strengthen relationships, discuss changes happening across the insurance and maritime industries, and share some of the exciting things happening here at Hughes Bros.
Strong communication and strong partnerships help keep our operations moving safely and efficiently — both on the water and in the yard.
We appreciate the time spent together and look forward to continuing to build those relationships as our company continues to grow.
EPIC Insurance Broker