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MARIA J.
Pictured as the: Nicholas Vinik (Vinik Marine Services) Photo by: Birk Thomas

Built in 1971, by St. Charles Fabricators Incorporated of Thibodaux, Louisiana (hull #21) as the Jesus Saves for American Tugs Incorporated of Harvey, Louisiana.

In 1996, the tug acquired by the R.A. Francoeur Marine Incorporated of Camesbury, Massachusetts. Where the tug was renamed as the Miss Tanya.

In 2001, she was acquired by the Construction and Marine Company Incorporated of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Where she was renamed as the Maria J.

In 2016, the tug was phased out of active service. And, was "laid up" at the Construction and Marine Company's yard in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

In 2017, she was acquired by Vinik Marine Services of Keyport, New Jersey. Where the tug was renamed as the Nicholas Vinik.

In 2022, the tug was phased out of active service. And, she was "laid up" at Port Reading, New Jersey.

Rebuilt in 1998, powered by two, Detroit Diesel 12-71 diesel engines, with reduction gears at a ratio of 6:1. Turning two, 60(in) x 48(in) stainless steel, fixed pitch propellers. She was a twin screw tug, rated at 900 horsepower.

Her capacities are 12,000 gallons of fuel, 150 gallons of lube oil, and 3,000 gallons of potable water.


  • Vessel Name: MARIA J.
  • USCG Doc. No.: 535673
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WDB4441
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 21
  • Ship Builder: St. Charles Fabricators
  • Year Built: 1971
  • Length: 63
  • Hailing Port: NEW YORK, NY.
  • Hull Depth: 8.5
  • Hull Breadth: 22
  • Gross Tonnage: 78
  • Net Tonnage: 63
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    JESUS SAVES, Miss Tanya, MARIA J.
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    American Tugs Inc., R. A. FRANCOEUR MARINE, INC., CONSTRUCTION & MARINE COMPANY INC.