CHS Invests in OpenTug to Improve Efficiency Across Marine Grain Logistics

CHS Inc. is strengthening its efforts to improve efficiency across its agricultural supply chain through an investment in OpenTug, an AI-native logistics technology company focused on inland and coastal marine transportation. The investment was made through Cooperative Ventures, the joint venture between CHS and GROWMARK that supports agtech startups and develops commercial relationships designed to create long-term value for farmers, cooperatives and the broader agricultural supply chain.

In addition to the investment, CHS is working to implement OpenTug’s BargeOS barge management system to build greater efficiency within its supply chain. The move highlights the company’s focus on using digital technologies to improve the movement of grain, fertilizer and other key agricultural products.

OpenTug’s BargeOS platform brings commercial planning, voyage management, invoice reconciliation and reporting together in a single system. By providing better visibility into barge operations, the platform is designed to help reduce idle barge days, improve estimated time of arrival (ETA) accuracy and minimize demurrage charges.

The system combines integrated GPS monitoring with BargeOS Autopilot, which automatically processes traffic reports and operational emails. This gives users a real-time view of barge movements and voyage activity, supporting more informed decisions across marine freight networks.

“Cooperatives rely on resilient, cost-effective transportation to move grain, fertilizer and other key products efficiently through the supply chain,” said David Black, executive vice president and chief information officer of CHS Inc. He added that OpenTug’s platform provides a digital bridge to improve visibility and coordination across marine freight networks, helping CHS and the cooperative system become more efficient and deliver greater value to farmer-owners.

According to OpenTug, improved visibility and coordination can enable partners to move more cargo with fewer barges while responding more quickly to disruptions. Through the investment and the planned implementation of BargeOS, CHS aims to strengthen the efficiency and resilience of its supply chain.

OpenTug joins Cooperative Ventures’ growing portfolio of companies developing technologies designed to improve productivity, sustainability and profitability across the agricultural value chain.