In a statement the New York-listed operator said the 30,000-barrel units will boast a collective capacity of 830,000 barrels and are due for delivery at various intervals throughout 2014.

“Of the 29 inland tank barges, 18 are through the assumption of shipyard construction contracts from another inland tank barge operator and 11 are new orders placed by Kirby,” it added.

In the same announcement chief executive Joe Pyne told investors that the order will help his company meet “additional volume requirements” driven by what he described as “strong and expanding movements” of crude oil and natural gas condensate.

Kirby