

<!--Generated by EDGARfilings PROfile 4.3.0.0 Summit Financial Printing, LLC. All rights reserved.-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd#netLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedNetLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTerseLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodEndLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodStartLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/ContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#ContingenciesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/RetirementPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#RetirementPlansDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/SegmentDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#SegmentDataDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#OtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansAllPlansOptionsAndRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansAllPlansOptionsAndRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanStockOptionActivityDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanStockOptionActivityDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansCompensationCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansCompensationCostDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/LongtermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#LongtermDebtDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/InventoriesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#InventoriesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/AccountingStandardsAdoptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#AccountingStandardsAdoptionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/RetirementPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#RetirementPlansTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/SegmentDataTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#SegmentDataTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#OtherComprehensiveIncomeTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlansTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/InventoriesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#InventoriesTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#Contingencies" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/RetirementPlans" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#RetirementPlans" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShare" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/TaxesOnIncome" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#TaxesOnIncome" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#SegmentData" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#OtherComprehensiveIncome" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlans" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#StockAwardPlans" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/LongtermDebt" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#LongtermDebt" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/Inventories" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#Inventories" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#Acquisitions" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/AccountingStandardsAdoptions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#AccountingStandardsAdoptions" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/BasisForPreparationOfCondensedFinancialStatements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#BasisForPreparationOfCondensedFinancialStatements" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#CondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#CondensedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedStatementsOfEarningsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#CondensedStatementsOfEarningsUnaudited" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#CondensedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#CondensedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" />
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:title="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="EntityRegistrantName" xlink:title="EntityRegistrantName" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="EntityRegistrantName" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to EntityRegistrantName" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:title="EntityCentralIndexKey" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to EntityCentralIndexKey" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:title="CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:title="EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:title="EntityVoluntaryFilers" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to EntityVoluntaryFilers" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:title="EntityCurrentReportingStatus" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to EntityCurrentReportingStatus" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="EntityFilerCategory" xlink:title="EntityFilerCategory" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="EntityFilerCategory" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to EntityFilerCategory" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="7.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:title="DocumentFiscalYearFocus" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to DocumentFiscalYearFocus" order="8.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:title="DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" order="9.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="DocumentType" xlink:title="DocumentType" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="DocumentType" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to DocumentType" order="10.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="AmendmentFlag" xlink:title="AmendmentFlag" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="AmendmentFlag" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to AmendmentFlag" order="11.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:title="DocumentPeriodEndDate" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:title="presentation: DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract to DocumentPeriodEndDate" order="12.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheetsUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:title="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsCurrentAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:title="AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:title="presentation: AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract to AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherReceivables" xlink:label="OtherReceivables" xlink:title="OtherReceivables" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="OtherReceivables" xlink:title="presentation: AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract to OtherReceivables" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="InventoryNet" xlink:title="InventoryNet" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="InventoryNet" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to InventoryNet" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:title="PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="AssetsCurrent" xlink:title="AssetsCurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AssetsCurrent" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AssetsCurrent" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="7.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="Goodwill" xlink:title="Goodwill" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="Goodwill" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to Goodwill" order="8.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:title="OtherAssetsNoncurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to OtherAssetsNoncurrent" order="9.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="Assets" xlink:title="Assets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="Assets" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsCurrentAbstract to Assets" order="10.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: AssetsAbstract to AssetsCurrentAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract to AssetsAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:title="AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:title="AccountsPayableCurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to AccountsPayableCurrent" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:title="DeferredRevenueCurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to DeferredRevenueCurrent" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="LiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to LiabilitiesCurrent" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:title="LongTermDebtNoncurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LongTermDebtNoncurrent" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="LiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:title="CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to CommitmentsAndContingencies" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="CommonStockValue" xlink:title="CommonStockValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockValue" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockValue" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:title="AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:title="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="TreasuryStockValue" xlink:title="TreasuryStockValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="TreasuryStockValue" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to TreasuryStockValue" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to StockholdersEquity" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to StockholdersEquityAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="MinorityInterest" xlink:title="MinorityInterest" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="MinorityInterest" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to MinorityInterest" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" order="7.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract to LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:title="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockSharesAuthorized" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="CommonStockSharesIssued" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockSharesIssued" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="TreasuryStockShares" xlink:title="TreasuryStockShares" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="TreasuryStockShares" xlink:title="presentation: StockholdersEquityAbstract to TreasuryStockShares" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to StockholdersEquityAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract to LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedStatementsOfEarningsUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:title="IncomeStatementAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:title="RevenuesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CargoAndFreightRevenue" xlink:label="CargoAndFreightRevenue" xlink:title="CargoAndFreightRevenue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="CargoAndFreightRevenue" xlink:title="presentation: RevenuesAbstract to CargoAndFreightRevenue" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" xlink:label="RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" xlink:title="RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" xlink:title="presentation: RevenuesAbstract to RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="Revenues" xlink:title="Revenues" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="Revenues" xlink:title="presentation: RevenuesAbstract to Revenues" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to RevenuesAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:title="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_CostsOfSalesAndOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="CostsOfSalesAndOperatingExpenses" xlink:title="CostsOfSalesAndOperatingExpenses" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="CostsOfSalesAndOperatingExpenses" xlink:title="presentation: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to CostsOfSalesAndOperatingExpenses" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:title="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:title="presentation: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:label="TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:title="TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:title="presentation: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:title="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:title="presentation: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:title="GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:title="presentation: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="CostsAndExpenses" xlink:title="CostsAndExpenses" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="CostsAndExpenses" xlink:title="presentation: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to CostsAndExpenses" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to CostsAndExpensesAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:title="OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to OperatingIncomeLoss" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:title="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to NonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="InterestExpense" xlink:title="InterestExpense" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="InterestExpense" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to InterestExpense" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="ProfitLoss" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to ProfitLoss" order="7.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="8.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="NetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="NetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to NetIncomeLoss" order="9.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract to EarningsPerShareBasic" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract to EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeStatementAbstract to EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" order="10.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:title="StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="ProfitLoss" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract to ProfitLoss" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract to ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract to NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract to ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/CondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:title="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="ProfitLoss" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to ProfitLoss" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:title="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:title="presentation: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="presentation: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="presentation: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to ShareBasedCompensation" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_AmortizationOfMajorMaintenanceCosts" xlink:label="AmortizationOfMajorMaintenanceCosts" xlink:title="AmortizationOfMajorMaintenanceCosts" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="AmortizationOfMajorMaintenanceCosts" xlink:title="presentation: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to AmortizationOfMajorMaintenanceCosts" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:title="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:title="presentation: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" xlink:label="OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" xlink:title="OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" xlink:title="presentation: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract to PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract to PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract to ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:title="ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract to ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract to ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:title="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract to PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:title="PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract to PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract to PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:title="ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract to ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:title="presentation: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract to CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract to CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_2" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_2" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract to CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:title="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="InterestPaidNet" xlink:title="InterestPaidNet" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="InterestPaidNet" xlink:title="presentation: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to InterestPaidNet" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:title="IncomeTaxesPaidNet" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:title="presentation: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to IncomeTaxesPaidNet" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_CapitalExpendituresIncurredPaidAndNotYetPaid" xlink:label="CapitalExpendituresIncurredPaidAndNotYetPaid" xlink:title="CapitalExpendituresIncurredPaidAndNotYetPaid" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="CapitalExpendituresIncurredPaidAndNotYetPaid" xlink:title="presentation: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to CapitalExpendituresIncurredPaidAndNotYetPaid" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionValueOfAssetsAcquired1" xlink:label="NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionValueOfAssetsAcquired1" xlink:title="NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionValueOfAssetsAcquired1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionValueOfAssetsAcquired1" xlink:title="presentation: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionValueOfAssetsAcquired1" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract to SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/BasisForPreparationOfCondensedFinancialStatements">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_BasisForPreparationOfCondensedFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="BasisForPreparationOfCondensedFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:title="BasisForPreparationOfCondensedFinancialStatementsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccounting" xlink:label="BasisOfAccounting" xlink:title="BasisOfAccounting" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BasisForPreparationOfCondensedFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="BasisOfAccounting" xlink:title="presentation: BasisForPreparationOfCondensedFinancialStatementsAbstract to BasisOfAccounting" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/AccountingStandardsAdoptions">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:title="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:title="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract to NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/Acquisitions">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessCombinationsAbstract to BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/Inventories">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="InventoryDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="InventoryDisclosureTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="InventoryDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: InventoryDisclosureAbstract to InventoryDisclosureTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/FairValueMeasurements">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:title="FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: FairValueDisclosuresAbstract to FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/LongtermDebt">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="DebtDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock" xlink:label="LongTermDebtTextBlock" xlink:title="LongTermDebtTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: DebtDisclosureAbstract to LongTermDebtTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlans">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncome">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeNoncontrollingInterestTextBlock" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeNoncontrollingInterestTextBlock" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeNoncontrollingInterestTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeNoncontrollingInterestTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeNoncontrollingInterestTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/SegmentData">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:title="SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingAbstract to SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/TaxesOnIncome">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract to IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/EarningsPerShare">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to EarningsPerShareTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/RetirementPlans">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract to PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/Contingencies">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract to CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/InventoriesTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: InventoryDisclosureAbstract to ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="EmployeePlanMember" xlink:title="EmployeePlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeePlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to EmployeePlanMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="DirectorPlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to DirectorPlanMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to PlanNameAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCostsOfRetirementPlansTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCostsOfRetirementPlansTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCostsOfRetirementPlansTableTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCostsOfRetirementPlansTableTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfCostsOfRetirementPlansTableTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract to ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/SegmentDataTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:title="SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingAbstract to ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ScheduleOfOtherSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfOtherSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfOtherSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfOtherSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingAbstract to ScheduleOfOtherSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract to ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/RetirementPlansTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlansDomain to PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlansDomain to OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis to DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable to DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable to DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:title="presentation: CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract to ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/AccountingStandardsAdoptionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:title="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:title="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:title="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:title="TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:label="AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:title="AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:title="presentation: TypeOfAdoptionMember to AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201517Member" xlink:label="AccountingStandardsUpdate201517Member" xlink:title="AccountingStandardsUpdate201517Member" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="AccountingStandardsUpdate201517Member" xlink:title="presentation: TypeOfAdoptionMember to AccountingStandardsUpdate201517Member" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:title="presentation: AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis to TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable to AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:title="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax1" xlink:label="CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax1" xlink:title="CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax1" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems to CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax1" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOperatingActivitiesAndFinancingActivities" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOperatingActivitiesAndFinancingActivities" xlink:title="NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOperatingActivitiesAndFinancingActivities" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOperatingActivitiesAndFinancingActivities" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems to NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOperatingActivitiesAndFinancingActivities" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ReclassificationOfDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="ReclassificationOfDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:title="ReclassificationOfDeferredIncomeTaxes" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="ReclassificationOfDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems to ReclassificationOfDeferredIncomeTaxes" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable to NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract to NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_UndisclosedCompetitorMember" xlink:label="UndisclosedCompetitorMember" xlink:title="UndisclosedCompetitorMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="UndisclosedCompetitorMember" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to UndisclosedCompetitorMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_StewartStevensonLLCMember" xlink:label="StewartStevensonLLCMember" xlink:title="StewartStevensonLLCMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="StewartStevensonLLCMember" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to StewartStevensonLLCMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_PressureTankBargesMember" xlink:label="PressureTankBargesMember" xlink:title="PressureTankBargesMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="PressureTankBargesMember" xlink:title="presentation: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to PressureTankBargesMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_BarrelTankBargesMember" xlink:label="BarrelTankBargesMember" xlink:title="BarrelTankBargesMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="BarrelTankBargesMember" xlink:title="presentation: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to BarrelTankBargesMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_InlandTowboatsMember" xlink:label="InlandTowboatsMember" xlink:title="InlandTowboatsMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="InlandTowboatsMember" xlink:title="presentation: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to InlandTowboatsMember" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_InlandTankBargesMember" xlink:label="InlandTankBargesMember" xlink:title="InlandTankBargesMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="InlandTankBargesMember" xlink:title="presentation: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to InlandTankBargesMember" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="presentation: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" xlink:label="NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" xlink:title="NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_TankBargeBarrelCapacity" xlink:label="TankBargeBarrelCapacity" xlink:title="TankBargeBarrelCapacity" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="TankBargeBarrelCapacity" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to TankBargeBarrelCapacity" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_HorsepowerOfMaritimeVessel" xlink:label="HorsepowerOfMaritimeVessel" xlink:title="HorsepowerOfMaritimeVessel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="HorsepowerOfMaritimeVessel" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to HorsepowerOfMaritimeVessel" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAverageAge" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAverageAge" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAverageAge" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAverageAge" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAverageAge" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_NumberOfBranches" xlink:label="NumberOfBranches" xlink:title="NumberOfBranches" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfBranches" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to NumberOfBranches" order="7.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:label="NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:title="NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" order="8.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="presentation: BusinessCombinationsAbstract to ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/InventoriesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNetAbstract" xlink:label="InventoryNetAbstract" xlink:title="InventoryNetAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoods" xlink:label="InventoryFinishedGoods" xlink:title="InventoryFinishedGoods" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="InventoryNetAbstract" xlink:to="InventoryFinishedGoods" xlink:title="presentation: InventoryNetAbstract to InventoryFinishedGoods" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcess" xlink:label="InventoryWorkInProcess" xlink:title="InventoryWorkInProcess" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="InventoryNetAbstract" xlink:to="InventoryWorkInProcess" xlink:title="presentation: InventoryNetAbstract to InventoryWorkInProcess" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="InventoryNet" xlink:title="InventoryNet" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="InventoryNetAbstract" xlink:to="InventoryNet" xlink:title="presentation: InventoryNetAbstract to InventoryNet" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="InventoryNetAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: InventoryDisclosureAbstract to InventoryNetAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: FairValueDisclosuresAbstract to DebtInstrumentFairValue" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:title="presentation: FairValueDisclosuresAbstract to DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/LongtermDebtDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="DebtDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:title="CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:title="CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:title="RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:title="presentation: CreditFacilityDomain to RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:title="presentation: CreditFacilityAxis to CreditFacilityDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:title="presentation: DebtInstrumentTable to CreditFacilityAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="VariableRateAxis" xlink:title="VariableRateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="VariableRateDomain" xlink:title="VariableRateDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:title="LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:title="presentation: VariableRateDomain to LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="VariableRateDomain" xlink:title="presentation: VariableRateAxis to VariableRateDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="VariableRateAxis" xlink:title="presentation: DebtInstrumentTable to VariableRateAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:title="presentation: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:title="presentation: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:title="presentation: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseInAggregateCommitments" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseInAggregateCommitments" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseInAggregateCommitments" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseInAggregateCommitments" xlink:title="presentation: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseInAggregateCommitments" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:title="InterestExpenseDebt" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:title="presentation: DebtInstrumentLineItems to InterestExpenseDebt" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: DebtInstrumentTable to DebtInstrumentLineItems" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="presentation: DebtDisclosureAbstract to DebtInstrumentTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansCompensationCostDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanStockOptionActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="EmployeePlanMember" xlink:title="EmployeePlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeePlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to EmployeePlanMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to PlanNameAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:label="StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:title="StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:label="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:title="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:title="presentation: EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="presentation: EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="presentation: EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="EmployeePlanMember" xlink:title="EmployeePlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeePlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to EmployeePlanMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to PlanNameAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_FirstPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="FirstPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="FirstPriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="FirstPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to FirstPriceRangeMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_SecondPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="SecondPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="SecondPriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="SecondPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to SecondPriceRangeMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ThirdPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="ThirdPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="ThirdPriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ThirdPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ThirdPriceRangeMember" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_FourthPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="FourthPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="FourthPriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="FourthPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to FourthPriceRangeMember" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" xlink:label="TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" xlink:title="TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:title="presentation: OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:title="presentation: OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="EmployeePlanMember" xlink:title="EmployeePlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeePlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to EmployeePlanMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="DirectorPlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to DirectorPlanMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to PlanNameAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedStockMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:label="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:title="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="presentation: RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:label="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:title="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:title="presentation: EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="presentation: EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="presentation: EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanStockOptionActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="DirectorPlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to DirectorPlanMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to PlanNameAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="DirectorPlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to DirectorPlanMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to PlanNameAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_FirstPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="FirstPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="FirstPriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="FirstPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to FirstPriceRangeMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_SecondPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="SecondPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="SecondPriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="SecondPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to SecondPriceRangeMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ThirdPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="ThirdPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="ThirdPriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="ThirdPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to ThirdPriceRangeMember" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_FourthPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="FourthPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="FourthPriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="FourthPriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to FourthPriceRangeMember" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" xlink:label="TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" xlink:title="TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:title="presentation: OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:title="presentation: OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="DirectorPlanMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="DirectorPlanMember" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameDomain to DirectorPlanMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to PlanNameAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedStockMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:label="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:title="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="presentation: RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/StockAwardPlansAllPlansOptionsAndRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:title="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedStockMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="presentation: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_TaxBenefitFromRestrictedStockVesting" xlink:label="TaxBenefitFromRestrictedStockVesting" xlink:title="TaxBenefitFromRestrictedStockVesting" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="TaxBenefitFromRestrictedStockVesting" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to TaxBenefitFromRestrictedStockVesting" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" order="7.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="8.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue" order="9.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="presentation: DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="presentation: OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/SegmentDataDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:title="SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:title="NumberOfReportableSegments" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingAbstract to NumberOfReportableSegments" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:title="ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:title="ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:title="OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:title="presentation: ConsolidationItemsDomain to OperatingSegmentsMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:title="IntersegmentEliminationMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:title="presentation: ConsolidationItemsDomain to IntersegmentEliminationMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:title="MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:title="presentation: ConsolidationItemsDomain to MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:title="presentation: ConsolidationItemsAxis to ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable to ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="SegmentDomain" xlink:title="SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="MarineTransportationMember" xlink:title="MarineTransportationMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="MarineTransportationMember" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentDomain to MarineTransportationMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_DieselEngineServicesMember" xlink:label="DieselEngineServicesMember" xlink:title="DieselEngineServicesMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="DieselEngineServicesMember" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentDomain to DieselEngineServicesMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="SegmentDomain" xlink:title="presentation: StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis to SegmentDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable to StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:title="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:title="SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CargoAndFreightRevenue" xlink:label="CargoAndFreightRevenue" xlink:title="CargoAndFreightRevenue" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="CargoAndFreightRevenue" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract to CargoAndFreightRevenue" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" xlink:label="RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" xlink:title="RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract to RevenueRepairAndSaleOfDieselEngineAndRelatedParts" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="Revenues" xlink:title="Revenues" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="Revenues" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract to Revenues" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract to IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="Assets" xlink:title="Assets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="Assets" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract to Assets" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_GeneralCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="GeneralCorporateExpenses" xlink:title="GeneralCorporateExpenses" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="GeneralCorporateExpenses" xlink:title="presentation: OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract to GeneralCorporateExpenses" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:title="GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:title="presentation: OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract to GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="InterestExpense" xlink:title="InterestExpense" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="InterestExpense" xlink:title="presentation: OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract to InterestExpense" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:title="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:title="presentation: OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract to NonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="presentation: OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract to IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="OtherAssetsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_GeneralCorporateAssets" xlink:label="GeneralCorporateAssets" xlink:title="GeneralCorporateAssets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="GeneralCorporateAssets" xlink:title="presentation: OtherAssetsAbstract to GeneralCorporateAssets" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:title="InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:title="presentation: OtherAssetsAbstract to InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="OtherAssets" xlink:title="OtherAssets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="OtherAssets" xlink:title="presentation: OtherAssetsAbstract to OtherAssets" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to OtherAssetsAbstract" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable to SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:title="presentation: SegmentReportingAbstract to ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract to IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:title="ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="presentation: FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract to CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="presentation: FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract to DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract to FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="presentation: ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract to CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="presentation: ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract to IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract to ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:title="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:title="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:title="TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:label="AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:title="AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:title="presentation: TypeOfAdoptionMember to AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:title="presentation: AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis to TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable to AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:title="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems to IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable to NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:title="presentation: IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract to NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="NetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="NetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to NetIncomeLoss" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic" xlink:label="UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic" xlink:title="UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesDiluted" xlink:label="UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesDiluted" xlink:title="UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesDiluted" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesDiluted" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesDiluted" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_UndistributedEarningsReallocatedToRestrictedShares" xlink:label="UndistributedEarningsReallocatedToRestrictedShares" xlink:title="UndistributedEarningsReallocatedToRestrictedShares" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="UndistributedEarningsReallocatedToRestrictedShares" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to UndistributedEarningsReallocatedToRestrictedShares" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:title="SharesOutstandingAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_WeightedAverageCommonStockIssuedAndOutstanding" xlink:label="WeightedAverageCommonStockIssuedAndOutstanding" xlink:title="WeightedAverageCommonStockIssuedAndOutstanding" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="WeightedAverageCommonStockIssuedAndOutstanding" xlink:title="presentation: SharesOutstandingAbstract to WeightedAverageCommonStockIssuedAndOutstanding" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesRestrictedStock" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesRestrictedStock" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesRestrictedStock" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesRestrictedStock" xlink:title="presentation: SharesOutstandingAbstract to WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesRestrictedStock" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:title="presentation: SharesOutstandingAbstract to WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants" xlink:label="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants" xlink:title="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants" xlink:title="presentation: SharesOutstandingAbstract to IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="presentation: SharesOutstandingAbstract to WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to SharesOutstandingAbstract" order="6.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract to EarningsPerShareBasic" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract to EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" order="7.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="presentation: EarningsPerShareAbstract to AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="8.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/RetirementPlansDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlansDomain to PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlansDomain to SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlansDomain to OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis to DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable to DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract to DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract to DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract to DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract to DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract to DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeePensionServiceGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod" xlink:label="EmployeePensionServiceGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod" xlink:title="EmployeePensionServiceGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="EmployeePensionServiceGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to EmployeePensionServiceGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge" xlink:label="EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge" xlink:title="EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld" xlink:label="EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld" xlink:title="EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments" xlink:label="DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments" xlink:title="DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments" order="4.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage" xlink:label="PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage" xlink:title="PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage" xlink:title="presentation: DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems to PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage" order="5.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable to DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:title="presentation: CompensationAndRetirementDisclosureAbstract to ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/role/ContingenciesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:title="LossContingenciesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:title="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:title="LossContingencyNatureDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnassertedClaimMember" xlink:label="UnassertedClaimMember" xlink:title="UnassertedClaimMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="UnassertedClaimMember" xlink:title="presentation: LossContingencyNatureDomain to UnassertedClaimMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:title="presentation: LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis to LossContingencyNatureDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:title="presentation: LossContingenciesTable to LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:title="LossContingenciesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_NumberOfMaritimeVessels" xlink:label="NumberOfMaritimeVessels" xlink:title="NumberOfMaritimeVessels" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfMaritimeVessels" xlink:title="presentation: LossContingenciesLineItems to NumberOfMaritimeVessels" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_NumberOfVesselsDamagedInCollisionResultingInFuelOilDischarge" xlink:label="NumberOfVesselsDamagedInCollisionResultingInFuelOilDischarge" xlink:title="NumberOfVesselsDamagedInCollisionResultingInFuelOilDischarge" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfVesselsDamagedInCollisionResultingInFuelOilDischarge" xlink:title="presentation: LossContingenciesLineItems to NumberOfVesselsDamagedInCollisionResultingInFuelOilDischarge" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: LossContingenciesTable to LossContingenciesLineItems" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:title="presentation: CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract to LossContingenciesTable" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:title="GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:title="GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:title="StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:to="StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:title="presentation: GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain to StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:title="presentation: GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis to GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:to="GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable to GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:title="UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:title="UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" xlink:label="DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" xlink:title="DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" xlink:title="presentation: UnderlyingAssetClassDomain to DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:title="presentation: UnderlyingAssetClassAxis to UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:to="UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable to UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="presentation: RangeMember to MaximumMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="presentation: RangeAxis to RangeMember" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable to RangeAxis" order="2.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:label="GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:title="GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:title="GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:title="presentation: GuaranteeObligationsLineItems to GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" order="0.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20170630.xsd#kex_TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" xlink:label="TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" xlink:title="TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" xlink:title="presentation: GuaranteeObligationsLineItems to TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:to="GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:title="presentation: ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable to GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" order="3.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:title="presentation: CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract to ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" order="1.0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>





