Shipbuilder C&C Marine and Repair, Belle Chasse, La., has delivered the towboat Al Sloss to Canal Barge Co., New Orleans, completing the first vessel in a four-boat newbuild series under construction for the operator.
The 2,600-hp towboat measures 87'x34' and was designed by C&C’s in-house engineering team. Construction was completed on an accelerated schedule, with delivery taking approximately six months.
“This project marks the first new-construction towboat we’ve ever built for Canal Barge Company, and we wanted to put our best foot forward,” said Tony Cibilich, owner of C&C Marine and Repair. “Despite the aggressive schedule, it was important to keep Canal Barge closely involved throughout the build.”
Throughout construction, Canal Barge worked closely with C&C’s project management team, allowing for minor adjustments and design modifications to be incorporated as the build progressed.
“Having our offices located just down the road from C&C Marine’s shipyard gave us far greater access than we typically have during a new-construction project,” said Mike Stone, project manager for Canal Barge Co. “Real-time decisions were made throughout the vessel’s construction as a result of that close coordination with their team.”
Delivery of the remaining three vessels in the series is scheduled to follow at intervals of two to three months.
The Al Sloss is powered by two Mitsubishi S12-R main engines supplied by Laborde Products and is equipped with two FPT generator sets. The propulsion system includes Reintjes WAF 665 reduction gears provided by Karl Senner LLC. Steering, alarm, and monitoring systems were supplied by Eagle Control Systems Inc.
Accommodations aboard the vessel include eight berths. The interior features a soft-core joiner system supplied by Kern Martin, intended to enhance crew comfort and improve fire protection.
The towboat’s navigation and communications suite was supplied by GMENI Marine Electronics and Supply and includes Furuno radars, AIS, a satellite compass, a bridge alarm system, a loudhailer, and Standard Horizon VHF radios, along with associated bridge instrumentation and sensors. Additional equipment includes two Carlisle & Finch 1,000-watt searchlights, two Wintech 40-ton winches, and a Wintech 5-ton vertical capstan.
Cibilich said one of the main challenges during construction was managing tariff-related uncertainty affecting equipment and material costs. “By working closely with our vendors and planning proactively, we were able to mitigate cost increases and avoid passing those additional expenses on to Canal Barge,” he said.
In addition to the Canal Barge series, C&C Marine and Repair is constructing six 2,600-hp inland towboats for open sale. The first of those vessels is scheduled for completion in early third quarter 2026, with additional deliveries to follow.
The shipyard is also nearing completion on two Multi Cat–class workboats, both expected to deliver before the end of the first quarter of 2026, as well as a large cutter suction dredge slated for delivery in the second quarter of 2026.
