Hines Furlong takes delivery of third boat in Mitubishi-powered newbuild program

Photo:Laborde Marine Products

Hines Furlong Line has taken delivery of the M/V Oxford. The towboat is the third vessel in
in an 11-boat construction program of vessels powered by Mitsubishi marine engines from
Laborde Products. The program focuses on keeping the builds uniform and dependable, giving
crews equipment they can count on from day one.

Built at Intracoastal Iron Works in Bourg, La., the triple screw M/V Oxford follows two previously delivered twin-screw vessels in the Mitsubishi powered series into service, the M/V Sun Valley (see earlier story) and the M/V Sawtooth, both built at Eymard Marine Construction & Repair Inc. on the Harvey Canal.

All three vessels feature Laborde-supplied Mitsubishi 6R2 Tier 3 engines rated at 803 horsepower at 1,400 RPM and Laborde-supplied generators, reinforcing the standardized approach that allows Hines Furlong to scale its fleet without introducing unnecessary complexity.

Hines Furlong says that the pace of the 11-boat program requires suppliers who stay organized
and responsive from one build to the next.

“With a series like this, you need suppliers who follow through,” said Karl Morley, senior
engineer of new construction & leased vessels at Hines Furlong. “Laborde stays involved,
they answer the phone, and they help the yard keep the job on schedule. That consistency
saves time and avoids headaches.”

Laborde noted that strong coordination has been a defining part of the partnership with Hines
Furlong.

“The Mitsubishi S6R2 platform gives operators a consistent power package across the fleet,”
said Brian Laborde, president of Laborde Products. “For a vessel like the Oxford, that means
predictable performance, a familiar maintenance profile, and equipment crews already know
how to run.”