It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
C&C Delivers Tier 4 Mitsubishi-Powered Towboat Al Sloss to Canal Barge
First vessel in four-boat newbuild series enters service with Mitsubishi S12R power and Laborde-supplied generators.
The M/V Al Sloss, the first vessel in a four-boat new construction program for Canal Barge Company, has entered service powered by Mitsubishi marine engines supplied by Laborde Products. The towboat was constructed by C&C Marine and Repair in Belle Chasse, LA, and marks the start of Canal Barge’s latest inland fleet expansion.
The 2,600-horsepower towboat is driven by twin Mitsubishi S12R main engines provided by Laborde Products, paired with two Laborde-supplied generator sets rated at 99kW. The propulsion package is integrated with Reintjes reduction gears, forming a drivetrain designed for steady performance in continuous-duty inland towing service.
Built on an accelerated schedule, the M/V Al Sloss reflects a coordinated construction effort focused on reliability, accessibility, and long-term serviceability. The vessel is expected to operate primarily along the western Intracoastal Waterway and within the New Orleans harbor, where predictable power delivery and responsive local support play a critical role in daily operations.
From Canal Barge’s perspective, the propulsion package builds on an existing track record with Laborde-supported Mitsubishi engines across multiple repower projects.
Drawing on prior experience across its fleet, Canal Barge emphasized the value of continuing with a proven engine platform and a support partner that understands the demands of inland operations.
“Laborde has provided engines to Canal Barge for several successful repowers, and we are excited to continue that relationship as part of our new construction program,” said Mark Allen, Vice President of Asset Management & Engineering at Canal Barge Company.
For Laborde Products, the Al Sloss represents another opportunity to support a complex newbuild by staying closely involved throughout the construction process. From early coordination through final delivery, Laborde worked alongside both the yard and the owner to keep the propulsion scope moving cleanly and on schedule.
“We were excited to partner with C&C on this 2,600-horsepower series and to support Canal Barge on the first vessel,” said Jared Legendre, Vice President of Sales at Laborde Products. “Working through the construction of the Al Sloss was a hands-on process, and the planning and communication from both teams resulted in a first-class vessel.”
Delivery of the remaining three vessels in the series is scheduled to follow at regular intervals, with each towboat built around the same propulsion and support platform to maintain consistency across the program.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
Bay Area Diesel Repowers M/V Launch Runner with Quad Scania DI13s
Laborde Products, working through its dealer Bay Area Diesel, has completed a repower of the M/V Launch Runner, a quad-screw crew boat owned by G&S Marine. The project replaced four Scania DI13 Tier 2 engines with four Scania DI13 Tier 3 engines, each rated at 650 hp @ 2100 rpm, giving the vessel modernized power while maintaining a proven platform.
For G&S Marine, the decision to return to Scania centered on uptime and familiarity. With more than 2,600 horsepower spread across four engines, the DI13 package provides the torque and responsiveness needed for crew boat duty, which includes long pushes, tight turnaround windows, and heavy loads. That continuity of performance mattered for the operator. “For us, the decision was simple. Scania engines already proved themselves on the Launch Runner, and Bay Area Diesel proved they had our back,” said Garry McCrae, Owner, G&S Marine. “The Tier 3 DI13s give us the performance we need with less downtime, and when we need support, we get it.”
Executing a four-engine changeover required both technical precision and a schedule built around the vessel’s workload. The Tier 3 DI13s fit within the existing quad-screw configuration, but Bay Area Diesel still had to manage cooler updates, exhaust adjustments, and control integrations. In crew boat service, every day in the yard is a day lost on the water, so the install had to be tight.
“A quad-screw repower is always a big lift, but the DI13s fit well and our team managed the changeover with limited yard time,” said Joey Steckler, Owner, Bay Area Diesel. “We built the install around the vessel’s schedule so Launch Runner could get back to work quickly, with a clear plan for ongoing support.”
For Laborde, the project reflects a deliberate approach to building its dealer network. Bay Area Diesel was hand-selected as an extension of the Laborde Products business, trusted to represent the same standards of uptime and support. Laborde backs that trust with training, stocked parts, and technical resources so dealers can focus on execution in the field.
“Our role is to make sure the dealers we hand-pick can stand shoulder to shoulder with operators,” said Jacob Yoder, Dealer Development Representative, Laborde Products. “Thatmeans giving them the parts pipeline, training, and backing to deliver real solutions without delays.”
The M/V Launch Runner repower extends the vessel’s service life and demonstrates how Laborde’s dealer network responds to the hard reality of crew boat work: engines under load, crews on the clock, and schedules that can’t wait.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
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