In 2014, Laborde Products sold its first Mitsubishi engine to John W. Stone Oil Distributor for the vessel John W. Stone. Since then, Laborde has supplied the Gretna, La.-based oil distributor with seven more Mitsubishis, repowering half its fleet.
The John W. Stone, Olga G. Stone and Moose are now powered by a S12A2-Y2MPTK at 940 hp, while the Jennifer, Shell Fueler, Hiawatha and Custom each have a S6R-Y2MPTK at 630 hp. Stone Power utilizes a S12R-Y3MPTAW at 1,100 hp.
"As our inland barge fleet grew larger in numbers and dimensions, we knew we needed to begin a repower initiative. We required increased horsepower, while decreasing fuel consumption where possible. Comfort and reliability for the crew and mechanical staff was also important. All this had to be done while meeting the latest emissions requirements and conserving fuel," said Tony Odak, vice president operations and business development at John W. Stone. "After reviewing several options we were very pleased with the Mitsubishi engine design at its given horsepower rating as well as the sales and support from Laborde. We have been pleased with the staff and support for the engines and parts."
Laborde also repowered the Lil Susan S, a boat that is chartered by John W. Stone Oil. In addition, Laborde provided the company with five fully mechanical 400-hp barge power units, and two Vapor 8.6 MBTU thermal fluid heaters.
John W. Stone Oil is a leader in dockside, midstreaming, and offshore fueling along the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge through the mouth of the river. In addition, there are seven shorebases that support the Gulf of Mexico oil business. It has 16 inland vessels and 36 inland barges to service brownwater as well as bluewater craft. Stone Oil also has several offshore units, including the Great Expectations, WorkBoat's 2014 Boat of the Year. It is the largest DP-2, multipurpose fuel oil carrier that is used to support the Gulf of Mexico and offshore oil business.
Laborde Products is the largest Mitsubishi Marine distributor in North America.
