Southern Devall expands fleet with two new 3,000 hp. towboats

The M/V Wanda B. (Photo Credit: Southern Devall)

Southern Devall, Memphis, Tenn., has expanded its fleet with the addition of two new 3,000-horsepower towboats, the M/V Wanda B and M/V Marlee Mae, underscoring the company’s ongoing investment in modern equipment and its tradition of recognizing employees and family members who have contributed to its success.

Both vessels measure 80.5 feet by 32 feet by 11 feet and are powered by Caterpillar 3512C main engines delivering 3,000 horsepower. Each towboat is equipped with John Deere 99-kW generators, Twin Disc 5600 gears with a 5.76:1 ratio, and a 38,000-gallon fuel capacity.

The M/V Wanda B was named in honor of recently retired accounting manager Wanda Broussard, who dedicated 29 years of service to the company. According to Southern Devall, Broussard played a key role in supporting the company’s operations and growth throughout her nearly three-decade career.

“Wanda represents what a true Southern Devall employee looks like—showing up every day, doing the work, and staying committed through everything,” Southern Devall CEO Kenny Devall said in a statement. “It’s the kind of dedication that doesn’t just keep things moving—it keeps our culture strong. Wanda’s legacy will always be a part of who we are, and we are proud to honor her decades of dedication with a new boat in our fleet.”

The company also introduced the M/V Marlee Mae, continuing a longstanding tradition of naming new vessels after employees with the greatest tenure, who may choose to dedicate the vessel to someone meaningful in their lives.

In this case, Brandon Devall selected the vessel’s name in honor of his daughter, Marlee Mae Devall, who recently graduated from Sulphur High School in Sulphur, La., and plans to attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, this fall.

Southern Devall said the addition of the two towboats will enhance its ability to provide safe and reliable marine transportation services while reinforcing the family-oriented culture that has long defined the company.