en.Wedoany.com Reported - LAD Services of Louisiana has completed an engine repower on the M/V Miss Sophia Claire at its shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana, replacing the inland vessel's original main engines with two mechanically controlled Mitsubishi Tier 3 diesel engines supplied by Laborde Products. The repowered propulsion system delivers 1,100 horsepower from two Mitsubishi S6A3-Y3 engines, each rated at 543 hp at 1,840 rpm.

The focus of this repower was not on adding complexity, but on matching the propulsion system to the vessel's operating profile and maintaining installation practicality for daily inland service. The work was carried out at LAD Services' own facility, allowing the owner and shipyard to manage the project directly while coordinating with Laborde Products on engine application.

"The key is to configure the vessel correctly and keep it practical," said David "DJ" Clements, Maintenance Director at LAD Services of Louisiana. "The goal is equipment that matches the vessel, is easy to maintain, and supports the type of service this boat is engaged in." Both companies stated that the propulsion system was selected to deliver reliable performance and support sustained inland operations without adding unnecessary complexity.

Laborde Products noted that the Mitsubishi S6A3 platform was chosen in part because of its familiarity among inland operators and maintenance crews. "This repower was largely about selecting equipment that the crew is already familiar with," said Bradley Matte, Gulf Coast Regional Sales Manager at Laborde Products. "The S6A3 is a mechanically controlled Mitsubishi platform that is well known on the waterways and easy to support in day-to-day maintenance."

Founded in 1996, LAD Services of Louisiana operates shipyard and repair facilities in southern Louisiana, supporting towboats and marine equipment through repair, fabrication, drydocking, dockage, and specialty marine engineering.