Master Boat Builders Inc., Coden, Ala., has successfully delivered the 109' tug Tortuga, the latest tugboat to join Seaside LNG/Polaris New Energy’s expanding fleet. The Tortuga will operate out of Jacksonville, Fla., alongside her sister vessel, Polaris.

“Seaside LNG/Polaris New Energy is leading the way in LNG maritime distribution, with the largest LNG bunker fleet in the country,” Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders, said in a statement announcing the delivery. “We are proud to partner with an innovative company at the forefront of providing clean, dependable, competitively priced fuel for the shipping industry and look forward to working with them in the future.” 

In 2023, WorkBoat got an up-close view of the Tortuga during its construction at Master Boat Builders. Doug Stewart Photo.

The Tortuga marks the second tugboat that Master Boat Builders has constructed and delivered for Seaside LNG/Polaris New Energy. The sister vessel, Polaris, was built by Master Boat Builders in 2022.

The Tortuga is powered by two Caterpillar 3512E Tier 4 diesel engines, producing EPA Tier 4 certified and each producing 2,000 hp. The vessel also features two Berg Z-drive thrusters (MTA 523) and Beacon Finland JAK coupler system.

Large Featured Spot