propulsion – Professional Mariner

22 May

Canal Barge repowers towboat with Mitsubishi Tier 3 engines

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & Towingbrownwater, propulsion, shipbuilding

(COVINGTON, La.) — Canal Barge Co. has repowered the towboat Hallie M. Merrick with two Mitsubishi S12R EPA Tier 3 engines rated at 1,100 horsepower at 1,800 rpm. The project was completed at Sterling Shipyard in Port Neches, Texas, with support from Laborde Products, replacing the vessel’s original Cummins KTA38 engines and bringing the towboat in line with Canal Barge’s…

11 May

Philly now working on three LNG boxships for Matson

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLNG, propulsion, shipbuilding

(PHILADELPHIA) — Matson marked two milestones in its fleet renewal program on May 5 with the beginning of hull assembly on the second of three new LNG-powered Aloha-class containerships designed for its Hawaii and China-Long Beach Express (CLX) services, and the start of construction of its third new vessel at Hanwha Philly Shipyard. A small shipyard ceremony to mark the…

08 May

MarAd launches nuclear initiative for commercial shipping

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, propulsion, shipping, technology

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) on Thursday launched an initiative to develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for commercial shipping. As a first step, MarAd is calling on innovators and industry stakeholders to help develop an SMR model that revitalizes U.S. shipbuilding, cuts costs, and secures energy dominance. The request for information (RFI) is seeking input from industry…

20 Feb

Incat, SWITCH developing hydrogen fuel cell ferry for NY

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsHydrogen, propulsion, shipbuilding

(NEW YORK) — Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther has begun detailed development and naval architecture on a hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast ferry design, with initial deployment targeted for New York waters. Incat Crowther is working on the design and regulatory approval process for the new 92-foot vessel in partnership with zero-emission vessel developer SWITCH Maritime. The project includes a global…

05 Feb

Hines Furlong takes delivery of three Mitsubishi-powered towboats

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & Towingbrownwater, propulsion, shipbuilding

(PADUCAH, Ky.) — Hines Furlong Line recently brought three new towboats into service in the company’s ongoing 11-boat construction program built around Mitsubishi propulsion supplied by Laborde Products. The series creates a unified fleet with consistent power, predictable maintenance and strong day-to-day performance. Sun Valley, the second vessel completed in the program, was built by Eymard Marine Construction & Repair…

03 Feb

Galveston LNG, TOTE Services to partner on bunkering

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLNG, propulsion

(HOUSTON) — Texas-based Galveston LNG Bunker Port (GLBP) has signed a strategic agreement with TOTE Services, a subsidiary of TOTE Group, to develop and operate dedicated liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessels. The partnership provides the maritime industry with reliable, scalable LNG bunkering to meet rising demand in the Greater Houston port complex. The agreement establishes a framework for vessel…

02 Feb

Ferry completes world’s longest electric sea journey

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime Newsferries, propulsion, technology

(STOCKHOLM, Sweden) — Demonstrating that electric passenger vessels are no longer confined to short, fixed routes – or dependent on costly, purpose-built charging infrastructure – the world’s first electric hydrofoiling ferry, Candela P-12, has completed a record-breaking voyage from Sweden’s west coast to Norway’s capital, Oslo. Electric ferries are gaining momentum globally. However, high energy consumption and limited range have…

28 Jan

IMO emissions split adds uncertainty on fuel choices

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsEnvironment, Fuels, IMO, propulsion

(SINGAPORE) — 2025 was another challenging year for global marine fuel quality, as decarbonization legislation took numerous twists and turns, increasing demands on shipowners and operators across the world. Alongside this, the traditional fossil fuels also raised numerous quality issues. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) delayed the vote on the adoption of the Net Zero Framework (NZF) for one year…

26 Jan

Laborde provides Mitsubishi power for Blessey’s first Tier 4 towboat

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry Newsbrownwater, propulsion, Tugboats and towing

(CHANNELVIEW, Texas) — Capt. Daniel Armstrong, a new-construction 2,600-horsepower towboat and the first Tier 4 vessel in the Blessey Marine Services fleet, has entered service powered by a Mitsubishi S12R marine engine supplied and supported by Laborde Products. The vessel was christened on Jan. 14 at Web Fleet in Channelview. Capt. Daniel Armstrong, built by Vessel Repair of Port Arthur,…

22 Jan

Terral River Service repowers towboat with Mitsubishi Tier 3 engines

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry Newsbrownwater, propulsion, Towboats and towing

(LAKE PROVIDENCE, La.) — Terral River Service has completed a major repower on the towboat Johnny M., upgrading from Caterpillar 3508 Tier 2 engines to Mitsubishi S12R Tier 3 engines rated at 1,260 horsepower at 1,600 rpm. The project reflects Terral’s ongoing commitment to reliable performance, lower emissions and fleetwide efficiency supported by its continued collaboration with Laborde Products. “The…