A Brief History of Northland Services
1970's: James J. Haagen launches Northland Services, Inc., in partnership with Dunlap Towing of La Conner, Washington, and Campbell Towing of Wrangell, Alaska. Northland's sailings in this inaugural year consist of six voyages to Western Alaska.
1980's: Northland begins regular service to Anchorage, scheduled weekly service to Southeast Alaska and increases its Western Alaska schedule to nine voyages.
1990's: Northland moves its terminal from the unpaved facility in Kenmore to the east bank of the Duwamish Waterway, in Seattle. Ownership changes infuse additional capital into the operation, allowing for continued expansion of services in all markets.
2000's: A decade of growth and revitalization
- Northland acquires Alaska Cargo Transport to complement the existing Central Alaska service.
- Northland also expands service into Hawaii with the acquisition of Aloha Cargo Transport.
- The merger of Boyer Alaska Barge Lines into Northland's operation solidifies its market position in Southeast Alaska.
- Northland completes a consolidation of three Seattle terminal facilities into a single 70-acre site at the Port of Seattle's Terminal 115.
- Construction begins on five new barges. The first, the Hawaii Trader, is launched in 2004 at Gunderson Shipyards.
2010: Northland completes construction on four 380-class barges, and one 340-class barge. In addition to new construction, the company rounds out its fleet by purchasing three barges from the used market. To tow this new equipment, Northland acquired seven tug boats up to 5,000 hp and 120' in length.
Through the strength of its ownership group consisting of management and strategic investors, Northland is positioned for long-term growth in both Alaskan and Hawaiian markets.