Master Boat Builders Inc., a vessel and workboat manufacturer, announced that it has invested $7.8 million to modernize and expand its shipbuilding operations in Mobile County by adding a new fabrication shop and floating drydock.
The Mobile Chamber said that the expansion project creates 85 new jobs, adding to Master Boat’s skilled workforce of more than 300 employees and contributing to Mobile County’s strength in shipbuilding and maritime services.
“This investment is about more than just expanding our ability to build more high-quality vessels. It underscores our commitment to increasing American shipbuilding capacity, and we’re doing it right here along America’s Gulf Coast in Mobile County,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders.
“By modernizing our facilities and growing our skilled workforce, we’re positioning our team to deliver critical vessels that support U.S. commerce and industry, all while training the next generation of American shipbuilders,” he added.
The expansion includes the construction of a new fabrication building, a floating dry dockto support new harbor tug contracts, workforce training initiatives and infrastructure improvements, according to the Mobile Chamber.
This project also supports the region’s ongoing workforce development and training initiatives, reflecting the growing demand for skilled talent within the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
“Master Boat’s expansion highlights the continued momentum of Alabama’s maritime industry and reinforces Mobile County’s position as a hub for shipbuilding and repair,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“This investment not only creates quality jobs but also strengthens the region’s capacity to support a vital sector of our state’s economy,” she added.
Shipbuilding leadership
Work on this expansion began October 2024 and is expected to be fully operational by this October.
“Mobile’s maritime industry continues to thrive, and Master Boat’s investment underscores our region’s leadership in shipbuilding,” said Bradley Byrne, Mobile Chamber president and CEO. “By creating new jobs, retaining existing ones and investing in workforce development, this project is a powerful example of how our business community is growing alongside our thriving port and maritime economy.”
District 3 Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt said Master Boat Builders is a 45-year-old, third-generation, locally owned shipbuilder located in the Bayou and a major employer.
“This expansion not only secures and creates jobs for local families, but it also reinforces the fact that Mobile County is a leader in shipbuilding and maritime innovation and will be for years to come,” he said.
