Our team is ready to help you find the right marine equipment solution. Reach out by phone, email, or the form below — we respond fast.
Our Team
Meet Your Fleet Specialists
Our experienced team brings decades of combined marine industry knowledge. We're ready to help you find the right solution for any project.
Robert "Bobby" Fontenot
President & Fleet Director
30+ years in the inland marine industry. Former USCG-licensed captain with deep expertise in barge logistics and waterway operations across the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River system.
15 years of marine equipment leasing and contract experience. Specializes in long-term fleet programs for government agencies, pipeline contractors, and port authorities.
Oversees 24/7 fleet dispatch, vessel positioning, and on-water logistics. Former marine construction superintendent with hands-on experience across 20+ major US waterway projects.
Quick answers to the questions our clients ask most. Don't see yours? Call us directly — we're happy to help.
Mobilization timelines depend on vessel type, your location, and current fleet availability. For vessels already positioned near your project area, we can often mobilize within 24–72 hours. For more distant locations or specialized vessels, allow 5–10 business days. Emergency mobilization is available — call our 24/7 dispatch line at (985) 400-9713.
Each rental includes USCG documentation, current Certificate of Inspection (COI) where applicable, stability calculations, hull survey reports, insurance certificates, and a complete rental agreement with all terms and pricing disclosed upfront. We provide everything your project insurance and bonding requirements will need.
It depends on the service type. Bare-boat rentals (no crew) are available for clients with their own licensed crews. Charter packages include a USCG-licensed captain and deck crew. Tugboat charters always include a fully licensed crew. We'll work with you to determine the best arrangement for your project.
Sterling Equipment maintains fleet positions along the entire Mississippi River System, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Ohio River, Columbia River, and Pacific Coast. We can service virtually any navigable US waterway — contact us to confirm coverage for your specific project location.
Most vessels are available on a 5-day minimum for short-term rentals, with weekly and monthly rate options available. Long-term leases start at 6 months and offer significantly reduced per-day rates. There are no minimum term requirements for crewed charter arrangements — we'll tailor a contract to your exact project schedule.
Yes. All Sterling Equipment vessels are maintained in strict compliance with US Coast Guard regulations. Each vessel undergoes an independent marine survey prior to deployment. Our fleet carries comprehensive hull & machinery insurance, P&I coverage, and pollution liability. We can provide certificates of insurance naming your company as additional insured upon request.
Absolutely. Sterling Equipment has relationships with marine asset owners across the country. If you have a specific vessel requirement that's not in our fleet, our specialists will source it through our network, perform the necessary due diligence, and arrange the lease or rental on your behalf. This service comes at no additional cost to you.
For urgent or emergency vessel needs, call our 24/7 dispatch line directly at (985) 400-9713. Have your project location, vessel type needed, and approximate duration ready. Our dispatch team will identify the nearest available vessel and initiate mobilization within the hour.
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Let's Talk About Your Project
Whether you need a single barge for a week or a full fleet charter for two years — Sterling Equipment has the vessels, the experience, and the team to deliver.