Built 1967, by St. Louis Ship, St. Louis, Missouri (hull #2478) as the Universal Trader for Universal Marine Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 2004, the tug was acquired by the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where she was renamed as the Steven J. Mason.

In 2022, she was acquired by K and D Marine LLC. of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Where the tug was renamed as the Melanie Hart.

Powered by two, GM 16-645E5 diesel engines. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 5,600 horsepower.