Home Search Links About Us Updates Login
SAND MATE
Pictured as: the Agnes (Vinik Marine Services) Photo by: Randall Farhy

Built in 1980, by Melancon Fabricators Incorporated of Lockport, Louisiana (hull #3) as the Dixie for Lift Barges Incorporated of Galliano, Louisiana.

In 1989, the tug was acquired by the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company of Oak Brook, Illinois. Where she was renamed as the Ocean State.

In 1992, she was acquired by the Amboy Aggregates Company of South Amboy, New Jersey. Where the tug was renamed as the Sand Mate.

In 2015, the tug was acquired by Vinik Marine Services of Keyport, New Jersey. Where she was renamed as the Agnes.

In 2021, she was placed out of service and was "laid up" at Port Reading, New Jersey.

In 2022, the tug was placed back into active service.

She is a twin screw tug, rated at 1,200 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: SAND MATE
  • USCG Doc. No.: 626230
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDH9915
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 3
  • Ship Builder: MELANCON FABRICATORS INC
  • Year Built: 1980
  • Length: 51.4
  • Hailing Port: NEW YORK, NY.
  • Hull Depth: 5.9
  • Hull Breadth: 19.9
  • Gross Tonnage: 59
  • Net Tonnage: 40
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    OCEAN STATE, SAND MATE, SAND MATE
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Lift Barges Inc., Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., AMBOY AGGREGATES, VINIK MARINE SERVICES LLC