"Waterways Management is a Team Sport"
Advocating for
Mightier & Safer Mississippi River
The Big River Coalition, LLC is the preeminent advocacy organization for maritime commerce on the Mississippi River Ship Channel.
Advocacy to promote the Mississippi River as the economic and ecological lifeline of our nation — advancing physical and technological infrastructure, collaborating with state and federal agencies to connect focused navigation policy that enhances maritime commerce, energy and freshwater security through adapting to land loss impacts of climate variability.
Strategic Evolution
Effective January 1, 2026, BRC transitioned from a long-established nonprofit to a limited liability company — positioned for accelerated growth and expanded impact.
Navigational Safety
Deploying technology-driven solutions to enhance safety across the most critical reaches of the Mississippi River Ship Channel.
Deltaic Riverine Management
Pioneering integrated approaches to channel maintenance, beneficial use, and coastal resilience in the Bird's Foot Delta.
31-State Economic Engine
Championing the $226.5 billion waterway that handles 20% of all U.S. waterborne cargo and connects America's heartland to global markets.
"Come Out of the Fog"
Appreciate the clarity offered by a leader and visionary whose members include the With You Leadership Team experts of ports, pilots and maritime services as a driving force behind some of the most consequential advancements on the Mississippi River Ship Channel, inland waterway policy, infrastructure investment, and navigational safety enhancements in the modern era.
Clarity Over the Fog
Anchorages are a Critical Component of Navigational Safety
Who We Are
The Preeminent Voice for the Mississippi River Ship Channel
Photo Credit: Sye T Ellis IV (USACE)
Photo Credit: Tracie Morris Schaefer
Sean M. Duffy, Sr. is a recognized maritime advocate, policy strategist, and waterway commerce expert with more than three decades of leadership on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. As President and CEO of the Big River Coalition and Duffy Maritime Consultants, Sean has been a driving force behind some of the most consequential advancements in waterway policy, infrastructure investment, and navigational safety on the Mississippi River and Tributaries in the modern era.
Under his leadership, the Big River Coalition team has earned recognition as persistent and effective advocates for maritime commerce on the Mississippi River. The Coalition has documented the last decade (2016-2026) as the most challenging in modern history for deep-draft commerce on the Ship Channel, with unprecedented floods, historic droughts, saltwater intrusion crises, and complex federal legislative landscapes to keep the Ship Channel open and commerce flowing.
Sean is a dedicated advocate for promoting the Mississippi River as the economic and ecological lifeline of our nation — advancing physical and technological infrastructure, collaborating with state and federal agencies on navigation policy that enhances maritime commerce, and strengthening energy and freshwater security through adaptation to the land loss impacts of climate variability.
Testimonials
In Their Words
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Louisiana Maritime Association
Associated Branch Pilots (Bar Pilots)
Lifetime achievement awards are rare and signify an individual’s sustained outstanding contributions and leadership throughout their career. It recognizes their impact to the industry, their service and their inspiration to others. Today, we honor a man whose name has become synonymous with advocacy, collaboration and the enduring promise of navigation itself, Sean M. Duffy Sr.
Economic Impact of River Disruptions on Trade through the Mississippi River Ship Channel
$226.5B
Annual Economic Impact
~20%
of U.S. Waterborne Cargo
31
States in the Mississippi Drainage Basin
50 ft
Authorized Channel Depth
What We Do
Three Pillars. One Mission.
Prioritized focus on increasing current meters and air gap sensors along with critical advancements of survey technologies and maritime economic impact reports.
Navigational Safety
Technology-driven solutions for safer navigation across the most critical reaches of the channel — from Pilottown Anchorage to the Gulf.
Deltaic Riverine Management
Integrated approaches to channel maintenance, beneficial use of dredged material, and coastal resilience in the Bird's Foot Delta.
Growth & Advocacy
Championing federal funding, port collaboration, and infrastructure investment to keep the channel deep, open, and globally competitive.
Big River Reports
Big River Reports
"Advocating for Mightier & Safer Mississippi River."
Contact
Big River Coalition, LLC
P.O. Box 6014
Metairie, LA 70009-6014