Master Boat Builders begins T-ATS module fabrication for U.S. Navy

Credit: Master Boat Builders

Master Boat Builders Inc., Coden, Ala., has begun module fabrication for the U.S. Navy’s Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship (T-ATS) program under its partnership with Austal USA, marking a production milestone in efforts to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity.

The start of fabrication advances the company’s role in the Navy’s push to strengthen and diversify the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.

“Starting fabrication on these modules is an exciting and proud moment for our team,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “We said we were ready to take on complex Navy work, and now we’re proving it. This is exactly the kind of program that showcases what Gulf Coast shipbuilders can do.”

Master Boat is fabricating two T-ATS hull modules at its shipyard in Coden, about 30 minutes from Austal USA’s facility in Mobile. Once complete, the modules will be transported to Austal USA for final erection and outfitting.

The T-ATS program is intended to replace the Navy’s aging fleet of ocean tugs and rescue and salvage vessels with a modern, multi-mission platform capable of open-ocean towing, salvage and recovery operations, diving support, and humanitarian and disaster response.

This follows Master Boat’s announcement that it will construct a new $60 million, 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility dedicated exclusively to government and defense shipbuilding programs. Located directly across Bayou Coden from the company’s existing yard, the 20-acre site will feature a state-of-the-art assembly building optimized for serial production of steel and aluminum ships and modules for Navy and Coast Guard programs. Prior to the new facility’s completion, T-ATS module fabrication will take place at Master Boat’s existing facility. Master Boat currently employs more than 400 people at its Coden shipyard and expects the new defense facility to support approximately 200 additional jobs upon completion. The companies also continue to co-invest in workforce development initiatives to train and equip the next generation of Gulf Coast shipbuilders. 

Master Boat’s participation also supports workforce development and strengthens regional shipbuilding capacity along the Gulf Coast. The company employs more than 400 people at its Coden shipyard.

Master Boat Builders, established in 1979, has delivered more than 450 vessels worldwide, including tugboats, offshore vessels, fishing vessels and dive support vessels.