Louisiana’s LAD Services Repowers Mv. Miss Sophia Claire

LAD Services of Louisiana has repowered the mv. Miss Sophia Claire with twin Mitsubishi Tier 3 engines supplied by Laborde Products.

The repower was completed at LAD Services’ shipyard in Morgan City, La. Laborde Products worked with the vessel owner on the engine application and selection of a propulsion package suited to the vessel’s inland operating profile.

The mv. Miss Sophia Claire is now powered by two Mitsubishi S6A3-Y3 main engines, each rated at 543 hp. at 1,840 rpm. The engines provide a combined 1,086 hp.

According to the companies, the engines were selected to provide the horsepower required for the vessel’s service while offering straightforward installation, maintenance and long-term support.

“This was about getting the boat set up right and keeping it practical,” said David “DJ” Clements, repair superintendent for LAD Services. “The goal was equipment that fits the vessel, is easy to work on and supports the kind of service this boat sees.”

Bradley Matte, Gulf Coast territory sales manager for Laborde Products, said familiarity with the Mitsubishi engine platform was also a factor in the selection.

“A big part of this repower was choosing equipment with  which crews are already comfortable,” Matte said. “The S6A3 is a mechanical Mitsubishi platform that’s well known on the waterways and easy to support in day-to-day service.”