Built in 1973, by Burton Shipyard of Port Arthur, Texas (hull #501) as the Hermes for the Sabine Transportation Company of Port Arthur, Texas.

The founders of Sabine merged the company with the Chromalloy American Corporation of St. Louis, Missouri in 1967. Chromalloy was later acquired in the mid 1980's by the Sequa Corporation of New York. Sabine was then acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas in 1992. In 1998, the Sabine ships, tugs, and property in Port Arthur were acquired by two buyers. Hvide Marine, Incorporated of Tampa, Florida and Stickle Enterprises of Iowa.

The Hermes was acquired by Hvide Marine where she retained her name. Hvide Marine was acquired by SeaBulk Towing Services, Incorporated of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Where the tug retained her name.

Powered by two EMD 12-645-E2 diesel engines rated a 1,500 horsepower each turning at 900 RPMs, with Falk reduction gears at a ratio of 2.5:1, turning two four bladed 86(in) diameter propellers with 56(in) pitch stainless steel propellers for a rated 3,500 horsepower.

The tug's electrical service is provided by two John Deere 99kW generators. The capacities are 40,000 gallons of fuel oil, 700 gallons of lube and Hydraulic oil, and 14,700 gallons of potable water.