About Us

Our Story

The year was 1898 when Burke and Allen Vane, two brothers and schooner captains, came ashore to open a ship chandlery in Baltimore. Since then, Vane Brothers has expanded to become a multi-faceted marine transportation provider with more than 120 vessels operating at all major U.S. ports.

Today, it is the Hughes family, cousins of the Vanes, who carry on the tradition of maritime excellence that has defined the company from the very beginning.

By continuously broadening its scope, incorporating the newest technologies, and placing the right people in the right positions—both at sea and on land—Vane Brothers has thrived in the ever-changing maritime industry.

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Cargo ships and cranes at a busy port with snow-capped mountains in the background.

Our Mission

To provide customers with preferred, quality service that consistently meets or exceeds their expectations.

We are committed to developing the safest possible marine transportation system achievable, with emphasis on preventing injury, loss of life, and damage to the marine environment and property.

Our focus on safety is promoted within our company and throughout the marine industry.

We continually strive to conduct operations with zero spills and zero incidents.

Two tugboats on a river with a town and fall-colored trees in the background.

Our Promise

Vane Brothers consults, listens to, and responds openly to customers, employees, neighbors, public interest groups, and others with whom we work. 

In concert with our partners, employees, competitors, and regulators, we raise the standards of the maritime industry.

Environmental
Stewardship

Vane Brothers exceeds federal, state, local, and customer safety and environmental standards.

Safety

  • Proactive safety program with regular training and certification.

  • Ongoing investment in reliable, well‑maintained equipment.

  • Safety Management Team runs frequent onboard and on‑shore training; crews train in navigation, firefighting, and hazardous cargo handling.

Environment

  • All vessels built since 2014 meet U.S. EPA TIER 3 or TIER 4 engine standards.

  • Taking steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions and move toward cleaner energy.

Certification

  • Personnel and equipment are regularly certified and audited by the U.S. Coast Guard, customers, and independent auditors.

  • Makes up more than 38% of barges less than 10 years old.

  • 125+ year operating history with impeccable safety record and long-term customer relationships.

  • Leader in two critical business lines providing essential infrastructure services: Fuel Terminal Transportation and Bunkering.

  • One of the largest and most diverse Jones Act fuel transportation fleets serving the U.S. 

Certifications

Vane Brothers maintains top standards for quality, safety, and environmental protection through rigorous training and governance. We follow these programs:

  • AWO Responsible Carrier Program (RCP): industry-leading safety policies and procedures for waterways.

  • ISM (International Safety Management): IMO-required Safety Management System with ABS third-party audits.

  • Sunoco Operational Excellence Management System (OEMS): unified HSE and operational integrity management.

  • OSHA: prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses.