Benny Cenac Jr.’s Main Iron Works Completes 10th Boat for Ingram Marine Group
Benny Cenac Jr.’s Houma based Main Iron Works Company has successfully finished the construction of the 10th new towboat for Ingram Marine Group. This collaboration between Main Iron Works and Ingram commenced in 2021 with the goal of building 10 new towboats by the end of 2024. The final towboat, named M/V David North, was delivered on January 29, 2025, marking the completion of this milestone project.
The M/V David North, measuring 69 x 30 x 10.5-ft, is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 800 hp tier 3 diesel engines and features a pair of Northern Lights 99kw generators. This vessel, fully compliant with Subchapter M regulations, will serve the Intracoastal Waterway between Baton Rouge and Houston, as well as the Mississippi River.
The boat was named after David North, an esteemed employee of Ingram Marine Group who oversees barge movements across the U.S. Known for his dedication and kindness, David North was honored at the christening ceremony of the M/V David North. The vessel’s design was a collaborative effort between Main Iron Works, Ingram Marine Group, and Ashraf Degedy, PE.
Reflecting on the 10-boat contract, deliveries were spread out over four years, with three boats delivered each year from 2021 to 2023, and one in 2024. Benny Cenac expressed his pride in the Main Iron Works team’s accomplishments and looks forward to future collaborations with Ingram Marine Group.
All vessels were equipped with the following components:
- CT Marine Twin Diff rudder system
- 99kw Northernlights Gen sets (2 generators per vessel)
- Kemel USA shaft seal systems
- Weather tight doors
- Eagle Control Systems sub m compliant steering system
- Wintech 40 ton Electric deck winches (2 per vessel)
- Fast Model L-2x USCG MSD system
- Omega SS showers
- Quincy 325 air compressors (2 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.
The 10 vessels delivered since 2021 include:
- M/V Adrienne M. Moore: 78’ x 32’ x 10’
- M/V Tom Cornwell: 78’ x 32’ x 10’
- M/V Debbie L Owen: 78’ x 32’ x 10’
- M/V Captain Roy Daniels: 78’ x 32’ x 10’
- M/V Steve Alley: 78’ x 32’ x 10’
- M/V Patrick L Morton: 69′ x 30′ x 10’6”
- M/V Teresa Sprouse: 69′ x 30′ x 10’6”
- M/V Gary L. Holman: 69’ x 30’ x 10’6”
- M/V Len O’Connor: 69’ x 30’ x 10’6”
- M/V David North: 69’ x 30’ x 10’6”
Main Iron Works, established in 1947 by Horace “Jack” Guidry and later acquired by Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. and the Cenac Group in 2015, has been a leading provider of shipbuilding and refurbishing services in the Houma area. Under the Cenac Group’s ownership, Main Iron Works has continued to thrive, focusing on the construction of innovative push boats for the maritime industry.