Ken Eriksen to open TTB 2026 with keynote on economic strength and maritime resilience

Marine Log‘s Tugs, Towboats & Barges (TTB) 2026 will open March 10 in Mobile, Ala., with a keynote address by Ken Eriksen, managing member and strategic advisor for Polaris Analytics and Consulting.

The final Early Bird deadline to save $200 on registration ends at midnight on February 13.

Eriksen’s keynote, “Pioneering Progress: Charting Americas Waterways Toward Economic Strength and Maritime Resilience,” aligns with the event’s theme, “Pioneering Progress on Americas Waterways.” Using a Horizon’s framework, Eriksen will examine how the industry arrived at its current conditions, what opportunities and challenges are visible ahead, and what emerging factors could shape long-term success.

The keynote address will explore the 2026 macroeconomic outlook and evolving trade policies, including reciprocal tariffs and their potential impact on import and export volumes and domestic maritime resilience. Eriksen will also address current conditions and outlooks for the Mississippi River amid persistent low water challenges, as well as volume fluctuations and infrastructure needs at major U.S. ports.

A core focus of the keynote will be the urgent need to expand and modernize marine equipment, particularly barges, tugs and towboats. Eriksen will discuss how recent federal actions, including the SHIPS for America Act of 2025 and President Trump’s executive order on restoring America’s maritime dominance, are intended to support U.S. shipbuilding, workforce development and fleet renewal.

Eriksen brings decades of experience in commodity markets, transportation, supply chain analysis and infrastructure consulting. He previously held senior leadership roles at S & P Global and its predecessor organizations, where he led transportation, industrials and energy services and co-led consulting operations.

Earlier in his career, Eriksen worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducting national agricultural surveys and transportation research and also worked as an international longshoreman in Tacoma, Wash. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agribusiness and agricultural economics from Washington State University.

The opening keynote is designed to provide attendees with actionable insights for navigating economic uncertainty, policy shifts and operational headwinds while identifying opportunities for innovation and long term progress across America’s vital waterways.

TTB 2026 will bring together tug, towboat and barge operators, suppliers and industry stakeholders to address the most pressing operational and regulatory issues facing the towing industry.

Registration is open. For questions on sponsorships, please contact David Harkey at [email protected].

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