The Escort Tug ‘Defiant’, built at Master Boat Builders’ shipyard in Alabama, is the third of eight vessels being constructed for Maritime Partners
Master Boat Builders has completed the delivery of Defiant, the third of eight tugs being constructed for Maritime Partners, marking further progress in the companies’ multi-vessel newbuild programme.
Built at Master Boat Builders’ shipyard in Alabama, USA, Defiant measures 88 feet in length and is designed to support towing, escort and marine support operations. The vessel is classified as an A1 Escort Tug and Towing Vessel and incorporates a range of operational and environmental capabilities. Master Boat Builders, Inc. (“Master Boat”) recently announced the successful delivery of Defiant, the third of eight tugs being built for Maritime Partners, LLC. The delivery reflects continued momentum in the multi‑vessel build program and highlights the companies’ shared commitment to delivering modern, high‑performance vessels to meet growing demand across the maritime and energy sectors.
“The delivery of Defiant marks the third tug in our eight-vessel series for Maritime Partners, but it also reflects the steady pace of work at Master Boat Builders”, said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “We’re delivering a tug from our yard every six weeks, and that’s a testament to our skilled shipbuilders and strong partners who know how to get boats built here in the United States. This is good old-fashioned Gulf Coast shipbuilding—hardworking people, pride in the craft, and a commitment to delivering quality vessels on time.”
Constructed at Master Boat Builders’ shipyard in Coden, Alabama, Defiant measures 88 feet in length and is classified as an A1 Escort Tug and Towing Vessel. The vessel carries AMS (Automated Machinery System) certification, UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking) certification, and FFV1 fire‑fighting capability, and is designated a Low Emissions Vessel (LEV) under U.S. standards.
“Our partnership with Master Boat is an important part of our continued investment in modern, dependable marine assets,” said Bick Brooks, CEO of Maritime Partners. “With each vessel in this series, their team continues to demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship we value in a shipbuilding partner. We’re proud to welcome Defiant to our fleet and look forward to continuing this program together.”
With delivery complete, Defiant will now enter Maritime Partners’ fleet, supporting operations across towing, escort, and marine support services. Five additional vessels remain under contract, with deliveries scheduled to continue through completion of the series. Each delivery strengthens the Gulf Coast shipbuilding industrial base and demonstrates the capability of American shipyards to deliver modern, mission-ready vessels for the maritime industry.
“The delivery of Defiant marks the third tug in our eight-vessel series for Maritime Partners, but it also reflects the steady pace of work at Master Boat Builders”, said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “We’re delivering a tug from our yard every six weeks, and that’s a testament to our skilled shipbuilders and strong partners who know how to get boats built here in the United States. This is good old-fashioned Gulf Coast shipbuilding—hardworking people, pride in the craft, and a commitment to delivering quality vessels on time.”
“Our partnership with Master Boat is an important part of our continued investment in modern, dependable marine assets,” said Bick Brooks, CEO of Maritime Partners. “With each vessel in this series, their team continues to demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship we value in a shipbuilding partner. We’re proud to welcome Defiant to our fleet and look forward to continuing this program together.”
With delivery complete, Defiant will now enter Maritime Partners’ fleet, supporting operations across towing, escort, and marine support services. Five additional vessels remain under contract, with deliveries scheduled to continue through completion of the series. Each delivery strengthens the Gulf Coast shipbuilding industrial base and demonstrates the capability of American shipyards to deliver modern, mission-ready vessels for the maritime industry.
