Cooperative Ventures invests in OpenTug to modernize marine freight logistics

Cooperative Ventures has announced an investment in OpenTug, an AI-native logistics technology company transforming inland and coastal marine transportation. A joint venture between two leading farmer-owned cooperatives, CHS and GROWMARK, Cooperative Ventures focuses on developing mutually beneficial commercial relationships between startups and cooperative partners.

OpenTug is bringing the marine freight industry into the digital age with its cloud-based platform that connects shippers, barge operators and terminals. By streamlining booking, quoting and tracking for bulk and breakbulk cargo, OpenTug makes it easier and faster to move goods where they need to go.

For agricultural and energy producers, this innovation is a game-changer. Marine transportation is often the most efficient way to move large volumes, but it's historically been complex and paper-heavy. OpenTug's technology simplifies the process, helping businesses save time, reduce costs and improve visibility across the supply chain.

"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 financial officer of CHS Inc. "OpenTug's platform offers a digital bridge to improve visibility and coordination across marine freight networks, and this investment will ultimately help our supply chain and the cooperative system become more efficient so we can deliver more value to our farmer-owners."

This investment reflects Cooperative Ventures' commitment to supply chain innovation and sustainability. By digitizing marine logistics, OpenTug not only boosts efficiency but also supports smarter resource use-critical for industries that feed and fuel the world.

Learn more about Cooperative Ventures and the investments shaping the future of agriculture.