
Built in 1976, by McDermott Shipyard Incorporated of New Iberia, Louisiana (hull #103) as the Ocean Voyager for L and L Marine Services Incorporated of St. Louis, Missouri. A subsidiary of the Apex Oil Company of St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1986, the tug was acquired by by Weeks Marine Incorporated of Cranford, New Jersey. Where she was renamed as the Thomas.
Powered by two, EMD 16-645-E2 diesel engines. With Falk MR-47445-1 reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.174:1. Turning two, 110(in) by 81(in), five bladed, fixed pitch, stainless steel propellers. She is a twin screw tug, rated at 4,000 horsepower.
Her electrical service is provided by two, 90kW, generator sets. Driven by two, Detroit Diesel 6-71 diesel engines. The tug's capacities are 120,000 gallons of fuel, 2,052 gallons of lube oil, and 11,200 gallons of water.
The towing equipment consists of a double drum, Markey TDSD-32 towing winch. Outfitted with 2,200(ft) of 2(in) towing wire on each drum. Driven by a single, GM 6-71 diesel engine.