The Bulk carrier Harbel Tapper was launched on 20 March 1981 from the , Mihara, Japan.Harbel Tapper was operated by L&C Shipping Lines, the dedicated shipping service of Firestone Natural Rubber Company. The ship, along with its sister ship the , provided the only direct shipping service between Liberia and the United States. The ship typically completed six round-trip voyages a year, carrying both bulk liquid and dry cargo. On trips to the U.S., the ship carried liquid latex and block rubber. To Liberia and West Africa, the ship carried rice, medical supplies, vehicles, equipment, fertilizer and all the other supplies needed to support Firestone Liberia operations, as well as third party cargo. Harbel Tapper unloaded directly into terminals in Fall River, Massachusetts; Baltimore; and Sav