Author Archives: jshaw@masterboat.net

CODEN, AL. — (September 15, 2026) – Master Boat Builders, Inc. (“Master Boat”) today announced the successful delivery of Barbara G (H501), the first vessel in a two-tug series for Bay-Houston Towing. The vessel will join Bay-Houston’s fleet and be operated by G&H Towing, supporting ship-assist and escort operations along the Texas Gulf Coast. The delivery marks another milestone in Master Boat’s partnership with Bay-Houston Towing and reflects continued progress on a two-vessel Rapport 3000 escort tug program.

“The delivery of Barbara G demonstrates our team’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, execution, and meeting our customers’ needs,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “We are proud to continue advancing this important vessel program for Bay-Houston Towing and remain on schedule to deliver the remaining vessels in the series.”

Designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern escort and harbor operations, Barbara G measures 98 feet overall with a molded beam of 43 feet and delivers more than 90 metric tons of bollard pull. Powered by twin engines generating a combined 7,000 horsepower, the vessel can reach speeds of approximately 13 knots.

The tug accommodates a crew of six, carries 44,342 gallons of fuel oil, and measures under 300 gross registered tons, providing the versatility and performance required for a wide range of towing and escort assignments.

“We’re pleased to welcome Barbara G to Bay-Houston’s fleet,” said Philip Kuebler, President of Bay-Houston Towing. “This vessel adds valuable capability to our operations and further strengthens our ability to provide safe, reliable service to vessels transiting some of the nation’s busiest ports.”

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.

NEW ORLEANS, La.— (August 27, 2026) — E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc. today announced the addition of the tugboats Titan and Marauder to its fleet, a significant expansion of the company’s capabilities to support maritime operations in U.S. Ports throughout its existing footprint. The recent delivery of Titan marks the second tugboat in the series delivered by Master Boat Builders to Maritime Partners and represents another milestone in the companies’ ongoing collaboration to expand modern towing capacity across the region.

Titan and Marauder are 88-foot A1 Escort Tugs and Towing Vessels, each carrying AMS (Automated Machinery System) and UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking) certifications, FiFi1 fire-fighting capability, and a Low Emissions Vessel (LEV) designation.

“The addition of Titan and Marauder strengthens our ability to serve customers in the ports we service with the reliability, safety, and operational excellence they expect from E.N. Bisso,” said Matt Holzhalb, President & CEO of E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc. “These vessels expand our fleet capacity and position us to meet growing demand while continuing our long tradition of supporting commerce at U.S deep water ports.”

Both tugs were built by Master Boat Builders in Coden, Alabama.

“This announcement is about more than two vessels entering service. It reflects the partnership and investment required to keep the maritime industry moving,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “Titan and Marauder showcase the craftsmanship of our workforce and the collaboration between owner, operator, and shipbuilder to deliver reliable assets for Gulf Coast commerce.”

The charter reflects a coordinated effort among industry leaders to bring new tugboat capacity into service for customers operating across the region.

“These vessels represent the kind of strategic investment that strengthens the domestic maritime industry and supports the movement of critical commodities throughout the Jones Act trade,” said Bick Brooks, CEO of Maritime Partners. “We are pleased to partner with E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc. and Master Boat Builders to deliver assets that will serve customers reliably for years to come.”

Maritime Partners, one of the nation’s leading providers of maritime financing solutions, structured the charter and supported the vessels’ path from construction to commercial deployment.

CODEN, Ala. — (August 26, 2026) – Master Boat Builders, Inc. (“Master Boat”) recently announced the successful launch of Defiant, the third of eight tugboats being built for Maritime Partners, LLC. The launch represents another key milestone in the companies’ ongoing partnership and reflects sustained demand for high-performance tug capacity across the maritime and energy sectors.

“The launch of Defiant reflects what can be accomplished through strong industry partnerships and a shared focus on quality,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “Our skilled craftsmen and engineers take great pride in building vessels that meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety, and this project is a testament to their expertise. We look forward to continuing to grow and strengthen our relationship with the team at Maritime Partners.”

Constructed at Master Boat Builders’ shipyard in Coden, Alabama, Defiant measures 88 feet in length and is classified as an A1 Escort Tug and Towing Vessel. The vessel carries AMS (Automated Machinery System) certification, UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking) certification, and FFV1 fire-fighting capability. It is also designated a Low Emissions Vessel (LEV) under U.S. standards.

Five additional vessels are currently under contract, with deliveries scheduled to continue through the program’s completion.

CODEN, AL., — (June 24, 2026) – Master Boat Builders, Inc. (“Master Boat”) today announced the successful delivery of Saturn for Suderman & Young Towing Company, the first vessel in a new series of Rapport 3000 escort tugs . The Saturn is the first of four vessels in this series.

“The Saturn represents the continued execution of our commitment to Suderman & Young and to the highest standards of shipbuilding,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Suderman and Young with the delivery of this vessel.”

The Saturn continues to raise the bar in escort tug capability. With an overall length of 98 feet, a molded beam of 43 feet, and a bollard pull capacity of more than 90 metric tons, the vessel is powered by two engines producing a combined 7,000 horsepower and is capable of approximately 13 knots. Designed to accommodate a crew of six, the Saturn carries 44,342 gallons of fuel oil and registers at under 300 GRT, offering operational flexibility across a range of port and escort assignments.

Titan Marks the launch of the second vessel in an eight-boat series between two of the Gulf’s leading maritime companies

CODEN, Ala. — (May 28, 2026) – Master Boat Builders, Inc. (“Master Boat”) recently announced the successful launch of Titan, the second of eight tugboats being built for Maritime Partners, LLC. The launch represents another key milestone in the companies’ ongoing partnership and reflects sustained demand for high-performance tug capacity across the maritime and energy sectors.

“The launch of Titan reflects what can be accomplished through strong industry partnerships and a shared focus on quality,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “Our skilled craftsmen and engineers take great pride in building vessels that meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety, and this project is a testament to their expertise. We look forward to continuing to grow and strengthen our relationship with the team at Maritime Partners.”

Constructed at Master Boat Builders’ shipyard in Coden, Alabama, Titan measures 88 feet in length and is classified as an A1 Escort Tug and Towing Vessel. The vessel carries AMS (Automated Machinery System) certification, UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking) certification, and FFV1 fire-fighting capability. It is also designated a Low Emissions Vessel (LEV) under U.S. standards.

Six additional vessels are currently under contract, with deliveries scheduled to continue through the program’s completion. Once complete, the series will further expand Maritime Partners’ operational capabilities across towing, escort, and marine support services.

New RApport 2700 tugboat series to support towing, escort, and marine support operations

Coden, Ala. – (May 21, 2026) – Representatives from Master Boat Builders, Inc. alongside partners from Maritime Partners, LLC recently gathered to christen Marauder, the first tugboat in an eight‑vessel construction program, at the Gulf Quest National Maritime Museum in Mobile, Alabama. The ceremony celebrated a significant milestone for both companies while honoring the dedicated workforce whose craftsmanship and expertise brought the vessel to life.

More than a ceremonial milestone, the christening marks the transition from construction to service, recognizing the dedication, craftsmanship, and teamwork required to bring a vessel from concept to completion. By custom, a ship’s sponsor shares a lifelong bond with the vessel, serving as a guardian of good fortune for the ship and crew. Marauder’s sponsor, Mrs. Alison Parker Carmel, performed the christening, marking the vessel’s formal entry into the fleet and celebrating the future journeys, missions, and economic impact the vessel will carry forward.

Mrs. Carmel is the wife of Stephen M. Carmel, a distinguished figure in American maritime history. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, he began his career at sea, earning command of a 40,000-ton tanker at age 26. He later held senior roles at Maersk Line, Limited, served as President of U.S. Marine Management, LLC, and in December 2025 was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

“This christening is a proud moment for our workforce and an important milestone in this program,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “From the earliest stages of construction to final delivery, Marauder reflects the craftsmanship, experience, and pride of the men and women who build vessels at our Coden shipyard. We’re honored to deliver the first vessel in this eight-tug program for Maritime Partners.”

Marauder measures 88 feet in length and is classified as an A1 Escort Tug and Towing Vessel. The vessel carries AMS (Automated Machinery System) certification, UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking) certification, and FFV1 fire‑fighting capability, and is designated a Low Emissions Vessel (LEV) under U.S. standards. With delivery complete, Marauder will now enter Maritime Partners’ fleet, supporting operations across towing, escort, and marine support services. Seven additional vessels remain under contract, with deliveries scheduled to continue through completion of the series. Each delivery strengthens the Gulf Coast shipbuilding industrial base and demonstrates the capability of American shipyards to deliver modern, mission-ready vessels for the maritime industry.

“A tremendous amount of thought, collaboration, and craftsmanship went into making sure this vessel was built for the important work ahead,” said Bick Brooks, owner of Maritime Partners. “Marauder, along with the seven sister vessels that will follow, represents a new standard for performance, efficiency, and versatility in the ship-assist market. From the very beginning, we knew we didn’t want an off-the-shelf design. We worked closely with Garrett Rice and the outstanding team at Master Boat Builders to bring together the best ideas, features, and capabilities available anywhere in the industry. We’re proud of what this partnership has accomplished, and we’re excited to see these vessels go to work.”

Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders, authored a letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal yesterday responding to the editorial board’s op-ed, “Trump Halts the Blockade of U.S. Ports.”

In his response, Rice argues that America’s maritime industry is a cornerstone of national security, economic strength, and industrial capacity — and that broad Jones Act waivers would undermine American shipyards, mariners, and maritime jobs while doing little to meaningfully or lastingly reduce fuel prices.

Read the full LTE below:

Is It Time to Abandon Ship on the Jones Act?

By Garrett Rice

May 13, 2026

Your editorial is right that America faces real energy and supply-chain pressures as a result of the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. But waiving the Jones Act is the wrong response.

Washington warns of China’s maritime dominance, yet the administration has opened domestic shipping routes to Chinese competition.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office last year concluded that China’s unfair practices in shipbuilding and maritime logistics threaten American interests. Reuters reported that China’s share of global shipbuilding has risen from about 5% in 2000 to over 50% today, while the U.S. share has fallen below 1%.

The Jones Act was designed to preserve a domestic maritime industrial base and a pool of American mariners available during war or national emergencies. Even many critics of the law concede that maritime capacity is tied to national security.

Supporters of the waiver argue it could reduce costs for fuel and other commodities. But the price effects are likely limited and temporary.

The law allows for specific voyage-based waivers when Jones Act vessels aren’t available, but broad waivers that weaken domestic shipping while China expands its maritime dominance move the country in the wrong direction.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders joined The Steve Gruber Show to discuss growing industry concerns over the Jones Act waiver. Rice warns the move could benefit foreign competitors—including China—while weakening America’s maritime industry and national security. You can read his recent op-ed in Real Clear Policy that dives into this issue further HERE.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH