Tidewater Inc. is a Houston-based owner and operator of offshore support vessels working for offshore energy clients through exploration, development, production and decommissioning. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TDW, operates more than 200 vessels and reports that over 90% of its fleet works internationally in more than 30 countries.
From the Ebb Tide onwards
The company's own account of its history begins in 1955, when a group of investors led by the Laborde family of New Orleans backed the first offshore service vessel designed specifically for the offshore oil and gas industry. The following year, as that vessel, the Ebb Tide, prepared to sail for work in the US Gulf of Mexico, Tidewater Marine Service, Inc. began operations under its first leader, John P. Laborde. Tidewater presents the Ebb Tide as the start of the work boat industry and says it now has more than 70 years of experience supporting offshore operations.
Six vessel classes
The fleet is marketed under the Tidewater Marine brand in six classes, and a downloadable fleet status report tied to the latest quarterly filing lists the individual ships.
- Platform supply vessels carrying cargo, fuel, water and drilling fluids to platforms, rigs and floating production units.
- Anchor handling towing supply vessels used to tow and position mobile drilling units and to handle mooring spreads.
- Offshore tugs for towing and harbour or field support duties.
- Subsea vessels supporting inspection, maintenance, repair and construction campaigns.
- Specialty vessels for tasks that include pipe laying, cable laying, pollution and fire control and seismic work.
- Crew boats and fast supply vessels moving personnel and small cargoes between shore bases and installations.
International footprint and customers
Tidewater keeps offices on six continents and sells to international and national oil and gas operators, with vessels also marketed for offshore wind installation and maintenance support. The service offer runs from short special projects to long-term exploration, development and production support, and includes towing and anchor handling for drilling rigs, transport of supplies and crews for drilling, workover, research and production activity, and direct assistance on specialised marine work. Because the fleet is deployed almost entirely outside the United States, regional technical teams are pitched as being familiar with local logistics and regulation.
Consolidation and scale
Much of the present fleet came through acquisition. Tidewater devotes a section of its website to the purchase of Swire Pacific Offshore, including the announcement, completion and related documents. In February 2026 it announced an all-cash acquisition of the Brazilian offshore operator Wilson Sons Ultratug Offshore; trade coverage put the consideration at about USD 500 million and the combined fleet at roughly 231 vessels, and the company's 2026 news page records completion of that transaction. The additions extend a fleet that the company describes as one of the largest and most versatile in the offshore support sector.
Reporting, compliance and sustainability
Quarterly results, webcasts, stock information and SEC filings are published through the investor relations section, which also carries the fleet status report; a first quarter 2026 earnings call was held on 5 May 2026. The sustainability section sets out environmental management, emissions, waste management and technology commitments, with governance material covering corporate governance, cybersecurity, supply chain management, data privacy, a modern slavery statement and disclosure under the Norwegian Transparency Act, alongside health and safety management, safety performance and emergency preparedness. On emissions, the group states that it complies with the Clean Air Act, MARPOL and the IMO's Sulphur 2020 regime, and that all of its vessels run on low-sulphur fuel of 0.5% by mass without needing modification. The company's about section lists five standing commitments: operating safely, complying with applicable laws, minimising environmental impacts, developing the next generation of specialised marine support vessels, and preserving financial strength through returns, a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital management. It also maintains an awards and achievements page and a corporate governance section with board and corporate officer listings.
Contact
The corporate contact page publishes a general website enquiry address, [email protected], and a separate investor relations mailbox, [email protected], for shareholders and analysts.