Diversified Marine completes M/V Larry Gravely towboat

The M/V Larry Gravely, a new inland towboat built by Diversified Marine, powered by twin Mitsubishi Tier 3 S6R2-Y3MPTAW engines. (Credit: Diversified Marine)

A new towboat built by Diversified Marine in Houma, La., has been equipped with main engines supplied by Laborde Products.

The M/V Larry Gravely is a twin-screw vessel designed for inland waterway operations. It is powered by two Mitsubishi Tier 3 S6R2 engines, each rated at 803 horsepower at 1,400 rpm.

The vessel was constructed for aggregate service, with propulsion selected to support routine inland operations. According to the builder, design considerations focused on durability, operating speed and long term serviceability.

Engine selection was finalized early in the construction process to allow integration with the vessel’s overall design. The vessel is expected to be acquired by Vulcan Materials in Alabama to support inland waterway operations.

“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 Products worked with the shipyard during construction, coordinating engine application and supporting installation.

“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.”

Diversified Marine builds and repairs tugboats and other work vessels for inland and coastal service. Laborde Products supplies marine engines and related support services.