Master Boat Builders Announces Delivery of Polaris

Master Boat Builders Announces Delivery of Polaris

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MOBILE, Ala. — Master Boat Builders, Inc. (MBB), announced the delivery of a new 4,000-hp tug to Polaris New Energy. Named the Polaris, this tug will be coupled with the recently delivered barge Clean Canaveral, forming the largest Jones Act compliant articulated tug barge (ATB) providing LNG bunker fuel in the U.S. Master Boat Builders, Polaris New Energy and the ATB operator McAllister Towing are proud to support the advancement of this new, clean marine fuel.

“Master Boat Builders is committed to producing the most dependable and reliable tugs in the Maritime Industry, and we thank Polaris New Energy, LLC for giving us the opportunity to prove it,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “Polaris will be used to its full potential, helping fuel the cruise ship industry’s new LNG-powered ships when they arrive in Port Canaveral later this year.”

McAllister Towing LNG Services LLC will operate the Polaris/Clean Canaveral ATB. The Vessel was delivered to Polaris New Energy, LLC earlier this month.

tugboat in the water
christening of polaris
Master Boat Builders to Build First All-Electric Tugboat in the U.S.

Master Boat Builders to Build First All-Electric Tugboat in the U.S.

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Construction of Battery-Powered Tugboat will Lead the Way in Innovative Maritime Technology and Create New Jobs in Alabama

Master Boat Builders, Inc. today proudly announced that it will construct the first all-electric tugboat in the United States at its Coden, Ala., yard for Crowley Maritime Corporation. This zero-emissions vessel, the eWolf, will lead the new generation of innovation in sustainable shipbuilding and maritime operations in the United States and across the world.

In addition to making strides in sustainable green maritime technology, the construction of this tugboat will create new well-paid engineering, design and manufacturing jobs for workers across the greater Mobile and Gulf region.

“The eWolf will set a standard in the U.S. maritime industry for sustainability and performance, and its zero-emissions capability and autonomous technology will benefit the environment and the safety of mariners and vessels,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders.  “Master Boat Builders and our dedicated employees are proud to work with Crowley to build the first-ever all-electric U.S. tugboat, which will lead a growing movement towards innovation and sustainable maritime operations across the world.”

“With the construction of the first all-electric, zero-emissions tugboat in the United States, Master Boat Builders in Coden, AL, will be at the forefront of a movement to improve global maritime operations with sustainable shipbuilding and cutting-edge technology. I couldn’t be prouder of the work they are doing to lead the way in innovative maritime technology and create new jobs in Alabama,” said Congressman Jerry Carl (AL-01).

The eWolf tugboat will reach 82 feet in length with 70 tons of bollard pull and replaces a standard tugboat that may consume 30,000 gallons of diesel annually. The vessel will enter into operation at the Port of San Diego by mid-2023, where its batteries will be charged at a specialized shoreside charging station. The tugboat will integrate ABB’s autonomous technology to enhance navigation performance, safety and efficiency.

Throughout this project, Crowley Engineering Services will provide design and on-site construction management services. More information on the eWolf tugboat from Crowley Maritime Corporation can be found by clicking here.

In 1979, Hurricane Frederic barreled into the Gulf Coast and a small seafood shop in Coden, Alabama was right in its path. The shop, owned by James and Michael Rice, was destroyed. Out of that destruction, the father-son duo endeavored to create a new venture building boats. Within months, Master Boat Builder was founded.

What started as a small venture quickly turned into an internationally recognized work boat business. Over the past 30 years, Master Boat Builders, Inc. has built and delivered approximately 430 vessels to customers all over the world. Our vision is to build quality boats for quality-minded individuals at an economic cost. Our management team is ingrained in all of our daily operations from conceptual design through delivery to ensure your boat is BUILT TO LAST.

Master Boat Builders to Construct Two New Tugboats for Suderman & Young Towing Company

Master Boat Builders to Construct Two New Tugboats for Suderman & Young Towing Company

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Rendering of Suderman and Young Towing Company Tugboat Being Constructed by Master Boat Builders

Keel Recently Laid for New Tugboats at Alabama Shipyard

Master Boat Builders, Inc. today announced that it will construct two new tugboats in its Coden, Ala., yard for Suderman and Young Towing Company of Houston, Texas. This summer, Master Boat Builders laid the keel for the first of the vessels. Under a contract order signed in February 2021, Suderman & Young will receive two vessels scheduled for delivery starting in July 2022.

The tugboats will have an overall length of 85 feet, beam of 38.5 feet, and produce a bollard pull of over 52 metric tonnes. Both of the vessels will feature two Caterpillar main engines (3512E), EPA Tier 4 certified and each producing 2,213 HP, along with two Schottel Z-Drive thrusters (SRP 430FP), and a Markey Machinery Company bow winch (DEPCF-48).

“Utilizing our integrated approach to vessel design, engineering and construction, Master Boat Builders has a comprehensive plan to build these new tugboats on schedule and at a value to Suderman & Young,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “Suderman & Young is one of the premiere tugboat operators in the United States and we are excited to be partnering with them to provide a quality tugboat to serve the western Gulf Coast ports.”

Naval architect and marine engineering firm, Robert Allan Ltd. is designing the tugboats, which will meet United States Coast Guard regulations and will be classed through the American Bureau of Shipping.

Master Boat Builders to Construct Two New Tugboats for Bay Houston Towing Co.

Master Boat Builders to Construct Two New Tugboats for Bay Houston Towing Co.

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Rendering of Bay Houston Towing Co. Tugboat Being Constructed by Master Boat Builders

Keel Recently Laid for New Tugboats at Alabama Shipyard

Master Boat Builders, Inc. today announced that it will construct two new tugboats in its Coden, Ala., yard for Bay Houston Towing Co. of Houston, Texas. This summer, Master Boat Builders laid the keel for the first of the two vessels. Under a contract order signed in February 2021, Bay Houston will receive two vessels scheduled for delivery starting in July 2022.

The tugboats will have an overall length of 85 feet, beam of 38.5 feet, and produce a bollard pull of over 52 metric tonnes. Both of the vessels will feature two Caterpillar main engines (3512E), EPA Tier 4 certified and each producing 2,213 HP, along with two Schottel Z-Drive thrusters (SRP 430FP), and a Markey Machinery Company bow winch (DEPCF-48).

“Through our integrated approach to vessel design, engineering and construction, Master Boat Builders has a comprehensive plan to build these new tugboats on schedule and at a value to Bay Houston Towing Co.,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “We are excited to work with Bay Houston on this project, with its long history of being one of the best tugboat operators in the United States. These vessels will only add to its impressive fleet of tugboats.”

Naval architect and marine engineering firm, Robert Allan Ltd. is designing the two tugboats, which will meet United States Coast Guard regulations and will be classed through the American Bureau of Shipping.