Laborde Repowers Much of Stone Oil Fleet

In January 2014, Laborde Products sold its first Mitsubishi engine to John W. Stone Oil for the vessel John W. Stone. Since then, Laborde has supplied the Gretna, Louisiana-based oil distributor with seven more Mitsubishis, repowering half of 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. 

Tony Odak, VP operations & business development, John W. Stone Oil Distributor LLC, said, "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."

Laborde also repowered the Lil Susan S, a vessel 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.