Master Boat Builders Inc., Coden, Ala., on Monday announced the launch of the sixth and final vessel in a series of tugboats built for Gulf LNG Tugs of Port Arthur LLC, a joint venture of Bay-Houston Management LLC, Houston; Bay Towing LLC, Houston; Moran Towing Corp., New Canaan, Ct.; and Suderman & Young Towing Co., Houston.
The Jill is a Rapport 2800 tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, and is one of two identical boats built specifically for Gulf LNG operations, the builder said.
“These launches reflect our commitment to building high-quality, reliable vessels that meet the unique needs of our customers,” said Garret Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “We’re proud to work alongside Moran and Gulf LNG on projects that strengthen maritime safety and efficiency in critical energy corridors.”
Each Rapport 2800 tugboat measures 92' in length with a 40' beam and has a bollard pull capacity exceeding 85 metric tons. Both tugs for Gulf LNG are scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026.
The tugs feature EPA Tier 4 Caterpillar 3516 E main propulsion engines connected to Kongsberg US-255 FP-Z drives. Additionally, each of the tugboats is outfitted with a Markey DESF-48-100 Electric Class III hawser winch with a Render-Recover feature for full bollard pull capacity.
The vessels are equipped with firefighting systems meeting ABS Fire Fighting Vessel 1 (FFV1) classification standards to support terminal operations.
Gulf LNG also has two RApport 2800 tugs under construction at Sterling Shipyard LLC, Port Neches, Texas.
