Sabula, Iowa: A Unique Island Town
Located on a small island on the western edge of the Upper Mississippi River, at Mile 535.5, Sabula, Iowa, is a quaint town with a population of about 500. It stands out as the only island town in Iowa and is notable for its local eateries such as the Sandbar Grill. Additionally, Sabula hosts Lawson Marine, a key player in the marine services industry and the primary provider of fleet services in the area, alongside ARTCO in Clinton, Iowa. Seth Lawson, COO and co-owner of Lawson Marine, emphasizes their unique position: “We’re the only company offering fleet service in this pool.”
Lawson Marine’s Robust Fleet and Historical Roots
Lawson Marine boasts a robust fleet, including the 1,200 hp William E. Lawson, a triple-screw vessel built in 1980 by the Louis G. Ortis Boat Company, and the K.W. Duvall, complemented by a smaller, truckable tug. The Lawson family has been intertwined with the river business since the mid-1960s, originating when Seth’s grandfather and a partner founded Lewis & Lawson Harbor service after a fortuitous incident involving a runaway barge during a dredging project.
Revitalization of Island City Harbor
In 1994, the Lawson family took a significant step by purchasing and revitalizing Island City Harbor, a pleasure craft marina that was in poor condition at the time. Over the next decade, they dedicated themselves to rebuilding the marina’s docks and infrastructure, ensuring continued business operation and expansion.
Diversification into Agricultural Millwright Industry
The Lawsons ventured into the agricultural millwright industry in 2009, focusing on constructing and repairing grain and fertilizer facilities along major rivers. This expansion enabled them to re-enter the commercial harbor service market in 2013, operating a fleet in Savanna, Illinois, for a grain terminal, and providing bridge assist services at the Sabula railroad bridge.
Expansion of Services and Future Plans
As Lawson Marine continued to grow, they started offering mechanical dredging and transloading services, alongside comprehensive marine construction services. These new services aim to provide a complete logistical solution from river to rail or road, reflecting the company’s deep understanding of the industry’s needs. Currently, Lawson Marine is enhancing its operations at the historical site where their grandfather’s actions decades ago laid the foundation for their family business. The site now offers direct barge loading and unloading, heavy lifting, top side barge repair, and extensive tug repairs. Looking to the future, Seth Lawson hints at potential drydock services at this site within the year, based on customer demand.
By strategically expanding their services and reinforcing their operational bases, Lawson Marine is poised for further growth and continuing their legacy on the Mississippi River.