U.S. Canal Barge Company Completes Repower of Towboat Hallie M. Merrick with Mitsubishi S12R Engines
2026-05-22 15:42
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en.Wedoany.com Reported - Canal Barge Company has completed a repower project for the towboat Hallie M. Merrick, equipping it with two Mitsubishi S12R Tier 3 engines as part of the company's ongoing fleet modernization initiative.

The project was carried out at Sterling Shipyard with support from Laborde Products. The vessel's original Cummins KTA38 engines were replaced with new engines rated at 1,100 horsepower at 1,800 rpm. Built in 2013, the towboat primarily operates on inland waterway routes. This upgrade aims to improve efficiency, simplify maintenance, and comply with Tier 3 emission standards.Towboat Hallie M. Merrick repower project

Mark Allen, Vice President of Asset Management and Engineering at Canal Barge Company, stated that the upgrade represents an investment in the vessel's next decade of service life. The S12R delivers the required reliability and fuel curve, while Laborde provides local support. He added that when the vessel returns to operation, it needs to keep working without increased downtime.

Bradley Matte, Gulf Coast Regional Sales Manager at Laborde Products, noted that Sterling Shipyard performed solidly on this installation, with the team staying connected from dismantling through sea trials. He pointed out that Canal Barge Company demands reliable equipment performance, and the S12R provides the necessary power and simplicity while supporting dependable daily operations.

This repower is part of a series of projects supported by Laborde for Canal Barge Company, following previous Mitsubishi S16R and S12R upgrades completed on the M/V Ned Merrick and M/V Integrity. Canal Barge Company stated that these projects aim to enhance fleet efficiency and standardize equipment across vessels operating within its inland river system.

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