Russell Marine LLC: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Russell Marine LLC is a leading marine, railroad, piling, and heavy civil construction company serving both public and private sectors in the industrial, infrastructure, and marine markets. Established on January 15, 2010, by Russell Inserra, the company has rapidly expanded its operations and service offerings.

Mission and Vision

Russell Marine's mission is to deliver high-quality construction services with a strong emphasis on safety, client collaboration, and continuous workforce development. The company's vision is to be the preferred contractor in the marine, railroad, piling, and civil construction sectors, recognized for excellence and innovation.

Primary Area of Focus

The company specializes in marine construction, railroad infrastructure, piling, and heavy civil projects, providing comprehensive solutions for waterfront construction, dock and pier installations, bridge construction, sheet pile installations, demolition, loading arm maintenance, and mechanical dredging.

Industry Significance

Russell Marine has established itself as a significant player in the marine construction industry, particularly along the Texas Gulf Coast. Its rapid growth and diverse service offerings have contributed to the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure in the region.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Expansion of Service Offerings: Diversifying services to include railroad infrastructure and heavy civil construction to meet a broader range of client needs.

• Geographical Growth: Establishing a presence in new markets, including the Coastal Bend region and the East Coast, to better serve clients and capitalize on regional opportunities.

• Safety and Quality Excellence: Maintaining high standards of safety and quality in all projects to ensure client satisfaction and uphold industry reputation.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Marine Construction: Design and construction of docks, piers, and other waterfront structures.

• Railroad Infrastructure: Development and maintenance of railroad systems, including track laying and repair.

• Piling and Heavy Civil Construction: Installation of piling systems and execution of large-scale civil engineering projects.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Crane Barges: Utilized for heavy lifting and installation tasks in marine environments.

• Sheet Piling Equipment: Employed in the construction of retaining walls and waterfront structures.

• Dredging Equipment: Used for maintaining navigable waterways and port facilities.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Texas Gulf Coast: Serving areas from Port Arthur to Port Lavaca, TX.

• Coastal Bend Region: Including Corpus Christi and surrounding areas.

• East Coast: Extending services to the southeastern United States, with a focus on Florida.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Russell Marine LLC has demonstrated strong financial growth since its inception, with annual revenues estimated between $25 million and $100 million. The company has expanded its operations and service offerings through strategic acquisitions and organic growth.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

Information about individual investors is not publicly available.

Utilization of Capital

Capital has been utilized for:

• Acquisitions: Notably, the acquisition of JM Davidson's marine division in 2022 to establish a permanent presence in the Coastal Bend region.

• Fleet Expansion: Enhancing equipment capabilities, including crane barges with capacities up to 440 tons, to undertake larger and more complex projects.

• Geographical Expansion: Establishing an East Coast office in Charleston, SC, to serve the southeastern United States.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Russell Marine is actively engaged in several significant projects, including:

• Port of Brownsville Modernization: Demolition and reconstruction of Cargo Dock 3 to accommodate larger vessels and enhance cargo-handling capacity.

• TXDOT I-69/I-45 to Buffalo Bayou Project: Installation of sheet piling for a detention pond serving a future pump station in downtown Houston.

Stages of Development

These projects are in various stages, from initial demolition to ongoing construction, with completion timelines aligned with client requirements and project scopes.

Target Conditions

The projects aim to address infrastructure needs such as port modernization, flood resilience, and transportation improvements.

Anticipated Milestones

• Port of Brownsville Modernization: Completion of demolition and initiation of reconstruction phases.

• TXDOT Project: Completion of sheet piling installation and subsequent phases of construction.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Russell Marine utilizes advanced equipment and methodologies, including:

• Crane Barges: For heavy lifting and installation tasks in marine environments.

• Sheet Piling Equipment: For constructing retaining walls and waterfront structures.

• Dredging Equipment: For maintaining navigable waterways and port facilities.

Significant Scientific Methods

The company employs industry-standard engineering practices and safety protocols to ensure project success and safety.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven technologies are not detailed, Russell Marine emphasizes innovation and efficiency in its operations.

Leadership Team

Brandon Bicknell – President

With 17 years of experience in the construction industry, Brandon holds a degree in Construction Science from Texas A&M University. He has led Russell Marine for over two years, focusing on growth, innovation, and customer relationships.

Cameron Toups – Vice President of Operations

Cameron has 8 years of experience in the construction industry and earned a degree in Construction Management from Louisiana State University. He has been with Russell Marine for 2.5 years, overseeing various aspects of marine and industrial projects.

Bob Andrews – Vice President & General Manager

With 12 years at Russell Marine, Bob oversees estimating, accounting, and assists with overall operations. He previously worked for Orion Marine Construction and McCarthy Building Companies Inc.

David Taylor – Operations Manager

David brings 25 years of experience in the marine construction industry and has been with Russell Marine for 11 years. He has handled various aspects from pre-construction to field execution.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The marine construction industry is characterized by significant demand for infrastructure development and maintenance, particularly in coastal and port regions. Growth is driven by trade expansion, population growth, and the need for resilient infrastructure.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Martinus Rail: Specializes in railway asset design, supply, construction, and maintenance.

• B&B Contracting: Provides contracting services in various construction sectors.

• Associated British Ports: A port owner and operator offering marine, road, and rail access to domestic and international markets.

• Polivka International: Focuses on rail infrastructure projects.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Russell Marine has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its service offerings and market reach, including the acquisition of JM Davidson's marine division to establish a permanent presence in the Coastal Bend region.

Operational Insights

Russell Marine's competitive advantages include its extensive fleet, experienced leadership team, and commitment to safety and quality. These factors enable the company to undertake complex projects efficiently and effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company aims to expand its geographical footprint, particularly on the East Coast, and diversify its service offerings to include more heavy civil construction projects. Leveraging its strengths, Russell Marine is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the infrastructure development sector.