On June 26, Ingram Marine Group held a special christening ceremony in Paducah, Ky., for the M/V Chuck A.J. Arnold and M/V John D. Roberts.
The 200'x50' M/V John D. Roberts is a 9,000-hp, triple screw towboat powered by three EMD 12-710G diesel engines. The vessel was built in 1973 by St. Louis Ship in St. Louis, Missouri. The vessel was purchased by Ingram in April 2005.
The M/V John Roberts is named after Ingram’s chief executive officer, John Roberts. Roberts assumed the role in 2022 and has spent his career dedicated to the marine industry, working across operations, sales, logistics, fuel sales and consulting in various capacities. He has shown a deep commitment to advancing the maritime industry, as evidenced by his leadership roles on several industry boards, including the Waterways Council Inc., Texas Waterways Operators Association, American Waterways Operators and the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Ingram officials said in a statement announcing the christenings.
Roberts is also passionate about developing the next generation of maritime leaders and serves as a mentor to many rising professionals.
“John has been an exceptional mentor and a steady source of guidance and inspiration,” said Orrin Ingram, chairman of Ingram Marine Group and CEO of Ingram Industries. “He and Chuck are not only outstanding leaders but also deeply respected colleagues who have helped shape the culture, performance and future of Ingram Marine Group. They both exemplify what it means to truly live ‘The Ingram Way.’”
The 150'x45' M/V Chuck A.J. Arnold is a 4,560-hp, twin screw towboat powered with EMD 12-645E7B diesel engines. The vessel was acquired by Ingram as part of the Midland Enterprises acquisition in 2002 and was built in 1980 by St. Louis Ship in St. Louis.
The M/V Chuck A.J. Arnold is named after Ingram Marine Group’s chief commercial officer, Chuck Arnold. Arnold has worked at both Ingram Marine and Ingram Industries. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional versatility, leading teams across liquid sales, dry sales and custom fuel services. Today, he oversees the full scope of Ingram’s commercial operations.
“Chuck is known as a leader who cares deeply for his team and coworkers, always willing to lend a helping hand and share the invaluable wisdom he has gained navigating the marine industry over the years,” said Aaron Barrett, president and COO of Ingram Marine Group. “Both Chuck and John are exceptional leaders and remarkable individuals whose passion for this industry inspires everyone around them.”
[WorkBoat reached out to Ingram officials to find out if this was a re-naming ceremony or if any other changes had been made to the boats, if the boats had been in service, and, if so, under what names. This article will be updated when/if Ingram is forthcoming with that information.]
