Latham Smith founded Smith Maritime in 1968 when he built his first oceangoing boat, the Tug ELSBETH, on the Miami River in Florida. Since the successful operation of that boat, Latham has built three more tugboats, the ELSBETH II in 1987, the ELSBETH III in 1998, and the RHEA in 2002. Latham’s influence and unique design characteristics have given these grand tugs an air of strength with class.

Latham’s shipyard on the St. John’s River in Green Cove Springs, Florida was later set up as a place to build new vessels and maintain the fleet. The ELSBETH II, ELSBETH III, & her twin RHEA were built here. These sister tugs were built with three engines each to maximize power and minimize fuel consumption. The hulls of the boats are shallow to allow better access to coastal or low-lying areas. In addition, they have heavy reinforced ½ inch plates and heavy rubber fendering. This hull design and fendering is so that contact in moderate conditions will result in minimal damage and risks are taken with confidence. The prop/nozzle configuration is also robust enough to risk conditions that are unthinkable for other tugs. Every detail in the stellar design of these tugs are testaments of Latham’s skill and ingenuity.

In 2006, Latham purchased the DIXIE DIVER. She is a 300 Ton Derrick Barge that has been refit and rebuilt at our Morgan City, LA location. The DIXIE DIVER is a welcome addition to salvage operations, heavy lifting, and construction. In 2009, Latham added the semi-submersible barge, ELVIS. Following the ELVIS in 2012, Latham added a heavy-lift deck barge, the MARILYN MONROE. Both of these barges have been rebuilt and brought up to Smith Maritime, as well as Full Ocean ABS and USCG, standards. As the company grows so does the fleet by acquiring new tugs and barges to accommodate all the services offered. The people have evolved with the Company to master not only the varied skills to safely operate and maintain the vessels, but also to acquire the now mandatory certifications and licenses to do so.