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GRAESTONE EXPRESS
Pictured as: the Marie C. (Martin Midstream Partnership) Photo by: Captain Ted

Built in 1959, the St. Louis Shipbuilding and Steel Company of St. Louis, Missouri (hull #1848) as the Girlie Knight for the Mid-South Towing Company Metropolis, Illinois.

In 1969, the tug was acquired by the Walker Towing Corporation of Paducah, Kentucky. Where she was renamed as the Mister Charlie Walker.

In 1994, she was acquired by International Barge Incorporated of Paducah, Kentucky. Where the tug was renamed as the Kathleen Pater.

In 1995, International Barge Incorporated renamed the tug as the Marie C.

In 2007, the tug was acquired by Martin Marietta Materials Incorporated of Mandeville, Louisiana. Where she retained her name.

In 2007, she was acquired by the Martin Midstream Partnership LP. of LaPorte, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2017, the tug was acquired by Graestone Logistics LLC. of Murray, Kentucky. Where she was renamed as the GraeStone Express.

In 2021, the tug was phased out of active service and was "laid up" at Mobile, Alabama.

Powered by two, GM-16-645C diesel engines. With Falk reduction gears, at a ratio of 3.46:1. She was a twin screw towboat, rated at 3,800 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: GRAESTONE EXPRESS
  • USCG Doc. No.: 279589
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDJ3760
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 1848
  • Ship Builder: St. Louis Shipbuilding & Steel Co.
  • Year Built: 1959
  • Length: 146.3
  • Hailing Port: MOBILE, AL.
  • Hull Depth: 8.7
  • Hull Breadth: 35
  • Gross Tonnage: 546
  • Net Tonnage: 371
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Girlie Knight, Mister Charlie Walker, Kathleen Pater, Marie C., GraeStone Express
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Mid-South Towing Co., Walker Towing Corp., International Barge Inc., Martin Marietta Materials Inc., Martin Midstream Partnership LP., Graestone Logistics LLC.