The Vinik No. 6 was built in 1970 by Southern Shipbuilding of Slidell, Louisiana. Commissioned for Nolty J. Theriot Offshore Inc., she was originally named the Robert Alario after the company's Vice President, Robert "Bob" Alario. Bob also served as a Director of the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) and later served as President from 1988 to 2008, tirelessly advocating for U.S. Offshore vessel operators.

In 1992, the vessel relocated to New York when she was purchased by the Morania Oil Tanker Corp. and renamed the Morania No. 6. When Morania later merged with Penn Maritime, she was renamed the Penn No. 6. In keeping with her history and naming conventions, when Vinik Marine acquired her in 2018, she was rechristened the Vinik No. 6.

In 2019, the Vinik No. 6 proved her mettle (and steel) as the fastest tugboat in New York Harbor, winning first place in the 27th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition. She will hold that title uncontested, as the historic tugboat races were permanently discontinued during COVID-19.

In 2025, the Vinik No. 6 successfully completed the historic deadship tow of the iconic ocean liner SS United States from Philadelphia to Mobile, gaining worldwide renown across the maritime community.