Blessey Marine places first Tier 4 towboat into service

The M/V Capt. Daniel Armstrong, a 2,600-horsepower towboat and the first Tier 4 vessel in the New Orleans-based Blessey Marine Services fleet, has entered service. The twin-screw vessel is powered by two Mitsubishi S12R marine engines supplied by Laborde Products and was christened January 14 at Web Fleet in Channelview, Texas.

The Capt. Daniel Armstrong marks Blessey Marine’s first step into Tier 4 propulsion as the company works to meet current emissions standards for inland towing operations. The Mitsubishi S12R engines was selected to meet horsepower and compliance requirements while maintaining operational consistency for river service.

During the christening ceremony, company leadership noted the learning curve associated with transitioning to Tier 4 propulsion. Clark Todd, president and CEO of Blessey Marine Services, said the project required close coordination and support throughout the process.

“Brian, to your crew, to your incredible, amazing crew at Laborde Products, thank you so much for all that you’ve done in helping guide us, as this is our first venture into the Tier 4 world,” said Todd.

The vessel is named in honor of Capt. Daniel Armstrong, who attended the ceremony and referred to the towboat as “the Beast of the Waterways,” a reference to its size and power.

Jared Legendre, vice president of sales at Laborde Products, said first-time Tier 4 projects require attention to detail throughout design, installation and commissioning.

“Anytime an operator takes their first step into Tier 4, the details matter,” Legendre said. “This project required engagement through every phase to ensure the vessel entered service as intended.”

With the Capt. Daniel Armstrong now in operation, Blessey Marine adds a Tier 4 towboat designed to meet emissions requirements while maintaining performance needed for inland waterways service.

Blessey Marine Services is an inland marine transportation company specializing in the movement of liquid bulk cargo throughout the U.S. inland waterway system, including the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys, associated tributaries and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

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