(HOUMA, La.) — Diversified Marine of Bourg, La., recently delivered the towboat Larry Gravely to Vulcan Materials Co. of Birmingham, Ala.
The twin-screw newbuild is equipped with a pair of Mitsubishi Tier 3 S6R2 main engines from Laborde Products, each rated at 803 horsepower at 1,400 rpm. The engines were applied to support the vessel’s operating profile and the steady, day-to-day demands of aggregate service on the inland waterways.
Built at Diversified Marine, Larry Gravely was designed for consistent service, with propulsion decisions centered on durability, operating speed, and long-term serviceability. Engine selection was finalized early in the build process, allowing the propulsion package to be fully coordinated with the vessel’s overall design.
At the shipyard, the focus stayed on building a boat that could stand up to consistent work without adding unnecessary complexity.
“This was never meant to be a showpiece,” said Robert Boudreaux Jr., owner at Diversified Marine. “It’s a working boat, and everything about the build reflects that. The goal was a vessel that’s reliable, straightforward, and ready to stay busy.”
Laborde worked alongside the shipyard during construction, coordinating engine application and supporting installation to keep the propulsion system aligned with the vessel’s intended use.
“The S6R2 is a workhorse platform for inland service,” said Bradley Matte, sales representative at Laborde Products. “It’s a familiar engine in this class, and we’re glad to see it going into a newbuild that’s built to stay busy.”
– Laborde Products
