CHANNELVIEW, TEXAS, January 2026— The M/V Capt. Daniel Armstrong, a new-construction 2,600-horsepower towboat and the first Tier 4 vessel in the Blessey Marine Services fleet, has entered service powered by twin Mitsubishi S12R marine engines supplied and supported by Laborde Products. The vessel was christened on January 14, 2026, at Web Fleet in Channelview, TX.
The Capt. Daniel Armstrong represents a significant milestone for Blessey Marine Services as the company steps into Tier 4 propulsion for the first time. The Mitsubishi S12R platform was selected to deliver the horsepower, emissions compliance, and operational consistency required for demanding inland towing service.
During the christening ceremony, Blessey leadership reflected on the importance of guidance and support during the company’s first Tier 4 project.
Speaking directly to the transition into new emissions territory, Clark Todd, President and CEO of Blessey Marine Services, credited Laborde’s hands-on involvement 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 Captain Daniel Armstrong, who addressed the crowd during the ceremony and affectionately referred to the towboat as “The Beast of the Waterways,” a nod to both its power and presence on the river.
For Laborde, the project reflects the kind of careful planning and close coordination required when operators move into Tier 4 propulsion for the first time.
“Anytime an operator takes their first step into Tier 4, the details matter,” said Jared Legendre, Vice President of Sales at Laborde Products. “This project was about guiding the process and staying engaged through every phase so the Capt. Daniel Armstrong could go to work as intended.”
With the Capt. Daniel Armstrong now in service, Blessey Marine adds a Tier 4 platform built to meet current emissions standards while maintaining the power and response required for inland towing operations.
About Laborde Products
Laborde Products keeps workboats working by acting as an extension of your crew. From Mitsubishi marine engines to local service and application support, the team stays close to your operation with the training, parts, and expertise needed to keep schedules on track.
About Blessey Marine Services
Blessey Marine Services is an inland marine transportation company specializing in the movement of liquid bulk cargo across the U.S. inland waterway system. The company serves the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, associated tributaries, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway with a focus on safe, efficient vessel operations.
