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SUN MERCHANT
Pictured as: the Island Merchant (Stevens Towing Company) Photo by: Lisa Kolibabek

Built in 1966, by Lemay Barge and Supply of Greensville, Mississippi (hull #306) as the Albert Mallory.

In 1966, the tug was sold. And, renamed as the Betty Walden II.

In 1995, Sun State Marine Services Incorporated of Jacksonville, Florida. A subsidy of the Colonial Oil Company of Savannah, Georgia. Where she was renamed as the Sun Merchant.

In 2002, the Chatham Towing Company merged with the Colonial Towing Company of Savannah, Georgia. To form the Chatham-Colonial Towing Company of Savannah, Georgia. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2013, the Chatham-Colonial Towing Company was acquired by the Vane Brothers Company of Baltimore, Maryland. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2016, the tug was acquired by the the Stevens Towing Company Incorporated of Yonges Island, South Carolina. Where the tug was renamed as the Island Merchant.

She is twin screw, square bow, push boat, rated at 850 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: SUN MERCHANT
  • USCG Doc. No.: 0504113
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 08971592
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WX6563
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 306
  • Ship Builder: LEMAY SUPPLY &BARGE INC
  • Year Built: 1966
  • Length: 64.5
  • Hailing Port: YONGES ISLAND, SC.
  • Hull Depth: 8.2
  • Hull Breadth: 24
  • Gross Tonnage: 125
  • Net Tonnage: 85
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Albert Mallory, Betty Walden II, SUN MERCHANT, SUN MERCHANT, SUN MERCHANT, SUN MERCHANT
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Sun State Marine Services Inc., COLONIAL TOWING INC, COLONIAL TOWING INC, VANE LINE BUNKERING INC, VANE LINE BUNKERING INC, VANE LINE BUNKERING INC, STEVENS TOWING COMPANY INC, STEVENS TOWING COMPANY INC