Benny Cenac Jr.’s Houma, La.-based shipyard Main Iron Works has completed the 10th boat build for Ingram Marine Group, Nashville, Tenn. This partnership with Main Iron Works and Ingram began in 2021 and included the construction of 10 new towboats to be completed by the end of 2024. The first towboat, the Adrienne M. Moore was delivered to Ingram on March 30, 2021, with the last being delivered on Jan. 29, 2025.
The David North is boat number 10 of 10 built for Ingram Marine. It is a 69'x30'x10'6" hull. It is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 800 hp tier 3 diesel engines. It has a pair of Northern Lights 99kw generators. The vessel was designed by Main Iron Works, Ingram Marine Group and Ashraf Degedy, PE.
The vessel is considered a fleet boat for Ingram but does have full live aboard details including beds for up to an eight-person crew and is completely subchapter M compliant.
The David North will be servicing the Intracoastal Water Way between Baton Rouge, La., and Houston, as well as the Mississippi River. The vessel was named after Ingram employee, David North, the general manager of customer services and logistics. He oversees the scheduling or barge movements for Ingram throughout the U.S. and was described by his peers at the recent christening ceremony as a dedicated employee, jack of all trades, kind, good hearted friend who will go above and beyond for anyone.
All ten vessels and their specs include Adrienne M. Moore: 78'x32'x10', Tom Cornwell: 78'x32'x10', Debbie L Owen: 78'x32'x10', Captain Roy Daniels: 78'x32'x10', Steve Alley: 78'x32'x10', Patrick L Morton: 69'x30'x10'6", Teresa Sprouse: 69'x30'x10'6", Gary L. Holman: 69'x30'x10'6", Len O’Connor: 69'x30'x10'6", and David North: 69'x30'x10'6"
Terms of the 10-boat four-year contract included the delivery of three tugs in 2021, three in 2022, three in 2023, and one in 2024.
“Working with Ingram Marine on this four-year project has been a huge accomplishment for Main Iron Works,” said Benny Cenac. “Our team is proud of the work we have put in and look forward to future projects with the maritime giant.”
When speaking at the recent christening of the David North held on April 3, 2025, Cenac added to this sentiment by saying how proud he was of the longstanding relationship Main Iron Works and Ingram have had spanning over decades and that he looks forward to continuing it in years to come.
All vessels were equipped with the following components:
• CT Marine Twin Diff rudder system,
• 99kw Northern Lights Gen sets (2 generators per vessel),
• Kemel USA shaft seal systems,
• Weather tight doors,
• Eagle Control Systems Subchapter M compliant steering system,
• Wintech 40-ton electric deck winches (two per vessel),
• Fast model L-2x USCG MSD system,
• Omega SS showers,
• Quincy 325 air compressors (two per vessel),
• M&M Bumper laminated rubber fendering with SS components for rust reduction,
• East Park Radiator flange mount keel coolers,
• Wynne windows,
• Eagle Control Systems Pilot Down system, 48-point machinery alarm system, generator switch gear, general alarm system, fire alarm system, and Guardian shunt trip extinguisher in the galley vent hood,
• The interior of all vessels were finished with red oak, flooring was Roppe Tufflex rubber floor and epoxy poured floors.
Benny Cenac speaks at the christening of the pushboat David North at Ingram Marine Group.
