(HARVEY, La.) — Maritime Partners has placed into service the pushboat Deirdre Ann, a newbuild from FMT Shipyard in Harvey, La. The vessel is powered by two Mitsubishi S6R2 Tier 3 engines, each rated at 803 horsepower at 1,400 rpm, with commissioning support from Laborde Products.
The S6R2 platform is designed for consistent power at working speeds, strong low-end torque, and a fuel curve that helps operators manage consumption over long duty cycles. For a vessel expected to stay on the move, the combination of reliable engine performance and Laborde’s regional support network positions Deirdre Ann for dependable uptime during its first years in service.
Maritime Partners pointed out that the selection of the S6R2 package ties directly to long-term operational needs.
“When one of our vessels goes to work, operators need power they can trust,” said Chris Miller, director of newbuild programs at Maritime Partners. “The S6R2 gives us the performance profile we want, and Laborde gives us the local support that keeps downtime to a minimum. That combination lets our customers take delivery of a boat that is ready to work from day one.”
Laborde emphasized the coordination behind the project and the hands-on support provided throughout the build.
“The Mitsubishi S6R2 is well-suited for pushboats that need consistent power at working speeds,” said Bradley Matte, Gulf Coast territory sales manager at Laborde Products. “It delivers strong torque, predictable fuel performance, and straightforward maintenance, which helps vessels like the Deirdre Ann stay available and productive over the long term.”
Laborde also supported the construction of Beth Williams, a new towboat built for Maritime Partners by FMT. The twin-screw vessel is equipped with a pair of Mitsubishi Tier 3 S6R2 main engines, each rated at 803 horsepower at 1,400 rpm. In addition to main propulsion, the vessel is fitted with two Laborde-supplied generator sets rated at 65 kW to support onboard electrical loads during operation.
From the outset, Beth Williams was planned around how the boat would actually be used. Propulsion and auxiliary power were defined early in the build to align engine speed, horsepower, and electrical capacity with steady inland towing work, keeping the overall system practical and easy to support.
“The goal is that boat crews can run confidently and keep moving,” said Miller at Maritime Partners. “This build focused on getting the machinery right so the vessel is set up to do its job without unnecessary complexity.”
Laborde worked alongside the shipyard throughout construction, coordinating engine application and generator integration so the propulsion and electrical systems function together as a complete package once the vessel enters service.
“A big part of this build was choosing equipment crews are already comfortable with,” said Matte. “The S6R2 is a compliant, mechanical engine that’s well known on the waterways and easy to support in service.”
– Laborde Products
