When, by virtue of a contract, expressed or implied, with (a) the owners of a ship or vessel, (b) the agents, contractors or subcontractors of such owners or any of them or (c) any person having been employed to construct, repair or launch such ship or vessel or to assist them, money is due to any person for labor performed, materials used or labor and materials furnished in the construction, launching or repair of such ship or vessel in this State or for constructing the launchingways for or for provisions, stores or other articles furnished for or on account of such ship or vessel in this State, such person shall have a lien upon the ship or vessel, her tackle and furniture, to secure the payment of such debt which shall be preferred to all others thereon, except mariners’ wages, and shall continue until the debt is satisfied.