Master Boat Builders delivers RApport 2800 tug for Gulf LNG partnership

Master Boat Builders Inc., Coden, Ala., today announced the successful delivery of the tugboat Jill, marking a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with Gulf LNG Tugs of Port Arthur LLC, a joint venture comprised of Bay-Houston Management LLC, Bay Towing LLC, Moran Towing Corporation, and Suderman & Young Towing Company.

Together, the Gulf LNG partners have more than 400 years of experience in ship assist and towage services. The partnership operates at four LNG terminals along the U.S. Gulf Coast and is a provider of marine services at LNG terminals in North America. The Jill is the sixth vessel in a RApport 2800 tugboat series designed by Robert Allan Ltd. and the second of two identical vessels designed specifically for Gulf LNG operations. 

“We are proud of the successful delivery of the Jill for our partners at Gulf LNG,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “By combining our shipyard’s craftsmanship with the operational expertise held by Gulf LNG, we’ve delivered a vessel that isn’t just a milestone in a series, but a powerhouse designed to meet the highest standards of safety and performance in the industry.”

With an overall length of 92 feet, a beam of 40 feet, and a bollard pull capacity of more than 85 metric tons, this tugboat is equipped with firefighting capabilities that meet ABS Fire Fighting Vessel 1 (FFV1) classification to further enhance safety measures during terminal support operations.

Established in 1979, Master Boat Builders is an internationally recognized vessel and workboat manufacturer. Over the past 45 years, the company has built and delivered over 450 vessels to customers all over the world, including tugboats, offshore supply vessels, fishing vessels, and dive support vessels. The shipyard manufactures boats for major corporations, maritime industry operators, fishing businesses, and individuals with a focus on quality, reliability, utilization, safety, and cost-effectiveness.