Master Boat Builders Launches Third Escort Tug for Maritime Partners

Master Boat Builders has launched Defiant, the third ship-escort tug in a series it is building for Maritime Partners, as demand rises for supporting gas carriers at US LNG export terminals. Launched at the shipyard in Coden, Alabama, the 27-metre tug follows two earlier vessels delivered in 2026. Built to Robert Allan's RApport 2700 design, the vessel joins a programme of eight escort tugs with deliveries scheduled to continue through the end of 2027.

 

Details of the Launch

 

Master Boat Builders has launched a new escort tug. The vessel is named Defiant. It is the third in a series of ship-escort tugs. The tugs are being built for Maritime Partners. This owner is a major US port and inland vessel operator.

The launch took place in Alabama. It occurred at the shipyard in Coden. The vessel was launched using a floating dock. This happened in late August. It marked another milestone in the building programme.

 

The Building Programme

 

The vessel forms part of a larger series. Defiant is similar to two earlier vessels. Marauder was delivered in the second quarter of 2026. Titan was completed in July. These formed the first vessels in the programme.

The programme extends well beyond these three. Five additional escort tugs are under contract. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through this year. They will extend to the end of 2027. This represents a substantial ongoing programme.

 

The Market Driver

 

The programme responds to rising demand. This demand comes from LNG export terminals. A growing number of these operate on the US Gulf coast. They require support for visiting gas carriers. This drives the need for escort tugs.

Maritime Partners is expanding to meet this. It is adding harbour tugs to its fleet. This responds to the growing terminal activity. The tugs will assist gas carriers at these facilities. This positions the owner to serve the expanding market.

 

Read More: Canada Awards C$11Bn Contract to Chantier Davie for Six Icebreakers

 

Vessel Design and Capabilities

 

The tugs are built to a specific design. They measure 27 metres in length. They follow Robert Allan's RApport 2700 design. They are built to ABS class standards. The vessels are designed for gas carrier operations.

Their capabilities suit demanding terminal work. They handle escort, manoeuvring and berthing tasks. They also assist with undocking gas carriers. They have a beam of 13 metres. Their bollard pull exceeds 70 tonnes.

 

Technical and Environmental Features

 

The tugs feature advanced propulsion. They have twin four-stroke diesel engines. These drive two azimuth thrusters. Exhaust aftertreatment systems are fitted. These minimise NOx emissions from the vessels.

The vessels meet strict environmental standards. They comply with US EPA Tier 4 requirements. They hold ABS notations for low emissions. They also carry notations for escorting and towing. Firefighting capabilities complete their range of features.

 

Deployment and Significance

 

The earlier vessels are already in service. Marauder was the first delivered. It operated at a terminal in Ingleside, Texas. Titan was in Mobile, Alabama in August. This demonstrates the tugs entering active service.

The programme reflects growing US LNG activity. New export terminals require support vessels. Escort tugs are essential to safe operations. The building programme addresses this need. It positions Maritime Partners to serve the expanding sector.