Growth Markets
September 18, 2026
Louisiana shipbuilder expands into aluminum vessels
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
C&C Marine and Repair, a Louisiana marine vessel manufacturer, is launching an aluminum fabrication division.
The new division will be led by Darren Bolotte. A third-generation welder and fabricator, Bolotte previously owned and operated Aluma Marine & Fabrication for more than 23 years, the company said.
The company makes barges, tugboats, towboats, dredges and other vessels.
Historically, C&C Marine has focused primarily on steel fabrication. With the company’s planned expansion and continued growth of the shipyard’s footprint, C&C Marine now has the space and capacity to efficiently build aluminum components and vessels, the company said.
In addition to expanding C&C’s construction capabilities, the new division will enable the shipyard to provide aluminum fabrication, repair, modification, and component work in support of both new construction and existing vessels, it said.
“We believe the ability to combine our steel fabrication capabilities with dedicated aluminum fabrication will create significant new opportunities for C&C Marine,” said Matthew Dobson, head of engineering for C&C Marine and Repair. “That flexibility will be especially valuable as we continue to expand the services we provide to our existing customers while also growing our customer base.”
A dedicated aluminum fabrication bay is under construction and is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
