Contract expands Gulf Coast shipbuilder’s role in Navy modernization and strengthens the U.S. maritime industrial base
Coden, Ala. – (September 15, 2026) – Master Boat Builders, Inc. (“Master Boat”), a leading Gulf Coast shipbuilder with more than 45 years of experience constructing specialized vessels, today announced it has been awarded an Other Transaction agreement by the U.S. Navy to build 3 Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) class craft and an option to manufacture an additional craft with work expected to continue through 2029.
“This award represents a major milestone for Master Boat and reflects the dedication of the skilled workforce that has built our reputation over the last 45 years,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “We are honored by the Navy’s confidence in our team and proud to expand our role in supporting America’s maritime mission. As we deliver these craft, we will continue investing in our people, capabilities, and Gulf Coast operations to provide the quality and performance our warfighters depend on.”
The award marks a significant milestone for Master Boat as the company’s first defense shipbuilding contract as a prime shipyard. This contract builds on the company’s steps to answer the Administration’s call to strengthen America’s maritime industrial base, first by supporting the U.S. Navy’s Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship (T-ATS) program through distributed shipbuilding and now by expanding its role as a prime builder for the LCU program. The award demonstrates the value of leveraging shipyards of all sizes and capabilities across the nation’s industrial base to ultimately expand domestic production capacity, strengthen the skilled maritime workforce, and support the shared objective of delivering more vessels to the fleet, faster.
The Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) program is a critical component of the Navy and Marine Corps’ efforts to modernize expeditionary logistics capabilities and maintain operational readiness in contested maritime environments. Designed to transport troops, vehicles, equipment, and supplies, the vessel can carry up to 152 light tons of cargo, including armored vehicles, military equipment, and personnel. Equipped with a bow ramp, stern gate, and specialized cargo-handling capabilities, the LCU supports force projection, expeditionary operations, humanitarian assistance, and logistics missions around the world.
The vessels will be constructed at Master Boat Builders’ shipyard in Coden, Alabama.