Gary Chouest | $1B+
Get in touch with Gary Chouest | Gary Chouest, president and CEO of Edison Chouest Offshore, leads one of the most important privately held maritime service empires in the United States, built from the Louisiana vessel business founded by his father in 1960. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into a vast offshore fleet serving oil, gas, offshore wind, shipbuilding, and national-security markets, helping make Edison Chouest a cornerstone of U.S. marine logistics and deepwater operations. Known for a low public profile and long-term industrial vision, Chouest has become one of the defining figures in American offshore shipping.
Gary Chouest is the owner and president of Louisiana-based Edison Chouest Offshore, which owns more than 200 offshore vessels for the oil & gas and wind power industries.
The firm was founded by his father, Edison Chouest (d. 2008), in 1960. Besides the vessels, it also owns shipyards and ports in Brazil, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.
He also owns a stake in Louisiana-based shipbuilder Bollinger Shipyard Group, which makes vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard.
His other holdings include yacht manufacturers Westport and American Custom Yachts plus Norwegian offshore supply vessel firm Island Offshore.
Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) is a privately held American marine transportation and logistics company founded in 1960 by Edison Chouest as a boat rental service in Galliano, Louisiana.[1] Headquartered in Cut Off, Louisiana, ECO specializes in offshore support for the energy industry, operating a fleet of 285 technologically advanced vessels ranging from 87 to over 525 feet in length as of 2024, and employs thousands of people globally.[2][3] The company provides comprehensive services including vessel design and construction, subsea operations with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), port management in Louisiana and Brazil, and support for both traditional oil and gas exploration as well as emerging renewable energy projects like offshore wind.[4][2]Since its inception, ECO has grown from a single utility vessel into a global leader in the maritime sector through vertical integration, owning and operating shipyards and expanding into diverse energy support solutions.[1] The family-owned enterprise, now led by Gary Chouest, has emphasized innovation, such as launching the M/V ECO Edison, the first U.S.-built service operation vessel (SOV) for offshore wind, which created over 600 jobs and supports sustainable energy infrastructure.[5][2] In 2025, ECO continued its expansion with the acquisition of Kystdesign to bolster subsea ROV manufacturing capabilities and a partnership with HD Hyundai to construct dual-fuel containerships in the United States.[6][7] ECO's fleet includes anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels, platform supply vessels (PSVs), and specialized subsea construction ships, enabling it to serve clients in deepwater operations across the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Brazil, and beyond.[4][8]In addition to core offshore services, ECO engages in environmental stewardship, reducing its carbon footprint through initiatives like solar power installations, renewable fuel trials, and energy-efficient vessel upgrades, aligning with global sustainability goals while maintaining its motto of "Chouest Pride Worldwide."[2] The company's strategic acquisitions, such as ROVOP for enhanced subsea capabilities, underscore its commitment to technological superiority and diversified operations in a dynamic energy landscape.[9]
History
Founding and early operations
Edison Chouest Offshore was founded in 1960 by Edison Chouest Sr. in Galliano, Louisiana, initially as Edison Chouest Boat Rentals. Chouest Sr., a commercial shrimper, entered the oilfield support business by purchasing and converting a 65-foot steel-hulled shrimp boat named the Holiday into an oilfield supply vessel, inheriting a six-month charter to service offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.[10][11][12]The company's early operations focused on providing marine transportation services to the burgeoning offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico, utilizing surplus post-World War II vessels alongside the first purpose-built workboats introduced to the sector starting in 1955. These adapted vessels supported essential supply and utility needs for drilling and production platforms, capitalizing on the region's expanding exploration activities. From its inception, Edison Chouest Offshore maintained a family-owned structure, with Chouest Sr. emphasizing practical innovations in vessel modification to meet the demands of increasingly challenging deepwater environments.[1]By the late 1960s, the initial fleet had expanded to 12 vessels, consisting of three large cargo boats, eight utility boats, and one tugboat, reflecting steady growth through targeted acquisitions and conversions tailored to offshore support requirements. This foundational period established the company's reputation for reliable, innovative marine solutions in a competitive industry.[12]
Expansion and diversification
During the 1970s and 1980s, Edison Chouest Offshore significantly expanded its fleet to meet the demands of deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, transitioning from converted shrimp boats to purpose-built vessels. In 1974, the company established its first shipyard, North American Shipbuilding in Larose, Louisiana, which enabled in-house design and construction of specialized Offshore Service Vessels (OSVs). By 1975, this facility delivered the Kirt Chouest, the company's inaugural self-built harbor tug, marking the start of its shipbuilding capabilities tailored for offshore support. This period saw the development of advanced OSVs equipped for dive support and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations, positioning Edison Chouest as a key provider for emerging deepwater exploration needs.[13][5][14]In the 1990s, the company broadened its international footprint and diversified into complementary services, beginning operations in Brazil in 1991 with the deployment of the Damon Chouest, its first deepwater support vessel in that market. This move supported growing offshore activities in South America and laid the groundwork for expanded global logistics. Domestically, Edison Chouest entered port management by constructing two large C-Port facilities at Port Fourchon, Louisiana, in the late 1990s, which facilitated efficient cargo transfers from deepwater vessels to shallower waters. Shipbuilding efforts intensified during this decade, with additional yards like North American Fabricators opening in Houma in 1996, enhancing the company's vertical integration in vessel production and maintenance.[15][16][13]A pivotal investment in workforce development came in 2002 with the opening of the company's first dedicated training facility in Galliano, Louisiana, focused on instructing operators in dynamic positioning systems and other high-skill maritime trades. This initiative underscored Edison Chouest's commitment to safety and operational excellence amid fleet growth. By the 2010s, the company had evolved into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, operating nearly 250 specialized vessels worldwide and serving major oil and gas clients such as BP, with whom it maintained a long-term alliance for Gulf of Mexico services dating back to at least 2009. By the mid-2010s, the fleet exceeded 200 vessels, reflecting sustained expansion in marine transportation and support capabilities.[5][17][1]
Operations and services
Vessel fleet
Edison Chouest Offshore maintains a fleet of 285 vessels as of 2024, encompassing a diverse array of offshore support types designed for demanding marine environments. These include anchor handling towing supply (AHTS) vessels, platform supply vessels (PSVs), crew boats, tugs, and survey support ships, with lengths ranging from 87 feet to over 525 feet. The fleet's scale supports global operations, primarily in oil and gas but increasingly in renewables, emphasizing reliability and efficiency in deepwater settings. Recent additions include the M/V ECO Liberty, a service operations vessel delivered in 2025 for offshore wind projects.[2][18][19]Key vessel classes highlight the company's focus on specialized capabilities. Powerful AHTS vessels, such as the 348-foot M/V Laney Chouest, are engineered for deepwater towing, mooring, and heavy-lift operations, often featuring bollard pulls exceeding 200 tons. Versatile offshore supply vessels (OSVs), including the 312-foot PSV series like the M/V Mark Chouest, provide cargo transport, fuel efficiency through diesel-electric propulsion, and utility support for platforms. Specialized builds, such as the 348-foot M/V Sea Venture—a survey support ship delivered in 2005—demonstrate innovations in subsea and research-oriented designs.[8][12][20]Most vessels in the fleet are equipped with dynamic positioning (DP) systems, enabling precise station-keeping without anchors in challenging offshore conditions. These DP capabilities, often DP2 or DP3 classified, integrate advanced thrusters, sensors, and software for enhanced safety and operational accuracy during towing, supply runs, and surveys. The adoption of proprietary technologies, like variable frequency drives, further optimizes fuel use and emissions during DP modes.[2][21]Historically, the fleet has expanded significantly since its origins. In the late 1960s, the fleet grew to 12 vessels—comprising three large cargo boats, eight utility vessels, and one tug—the company grew to over 200 by the 2010s through strategic builds and acquisitions. This progression reflects Chouest's shift from regional Gulf of Mexico services to a global powerhouse, with milestones like the 2005 delivery of the M/V Sea Venture underscoring investments in larger, technologically advanced assets.[12][1]
Marine transportation services
Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) provides essential marine transportation services to the offshore oil and gas industry, primarily involving crew transfers, supply deliveries, anchor handling, and towing for deepwater rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and international waters.[8] These services utilize a diverse fleet of platform supply vessels (PSVs), anchor handling towing supply (AHTS) vessels, fast supply vessels (FSVs), and tractor tugs, enabling efficient logistics from ports to offshore installations.[8] Crew transfers are facilitated by FSVs capable of speeds up to 30 knots, ensuring rapid personnel movement, while PSVs handle bulk cargo such as drilling muds, chemicals, and equipment deliveries to support rig operations.[8]Anchor handling and towing operations are conducted using powerful AHTS vessels, which position anchors for semi-submersible rigs and floating production units, as well as tow structures in challenging deepwater environments across regions like South America and Africa.[8] ECO's vessels are engineered for harsh offshore conditions, featuring dynamic positioning systems and high-capacity winches to maintain operational reliability in adverse weather.[1] For U.S. operations in the Gulf of Mexico, ECO ensures compliance with the Jones Act by operating U.S.-flagged vessels, supporting domestic maritime requirements for coastwise trade.[22]Globally, ECO supports major clients such as BP through long-term alliances established in the 2000s, providing vessel chartering and integrated marine solutions for deepwater projects.[23] These partnerships, extended multiple times since 2009, encompass comprehensive logistics including dedicated vessel support for BP's Gulf of Mexico activities.[24] ECO's C-Logistics division enhances port-to-offshore efficiency through proprietary tracking software, real-time RFID monitoring, and vessel sharing agreements that optimize cargo movement and minimize downtime for clients.[25]The company serves an expanding international customer base with over 200 vessels dedicated to transportation services, excluding those specialized for subsea or construction roles, thereby establishing its position as a leading provider in offshore logistics.[1] This scale allows ECO to deliver predictable schedules and cost-effective solutions, integrating supply chain management from staging at facilities like Port Fourchon to final offshore delivery.[25]
Subsea and construction services
Edison Chouest Offshore provides subsea and construction services primarily through its affiliate C-Innovation, established in 2007 to address growing demands for advanced underwater operations in the oil and gas sector.[26] These services encompass remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), survey capabilities, and light construction support for subsea infrastructure projects worldwide.[27] C-Innovation integrates these offerings with Edison Chouest Offshore's broader vessel fleet to deliver comprehensive solutions for offshore field development and maintenance.[28]Following the 2024 acquisition of ROVOP, C-Innovation expanded its subsea capabilities, resulting in a combined fleet of over 100 ROVs and six AUVs dedicated to inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) activities in deepwater environments.[9] These vehicles are deployed for tasks such as high-definition video inspections, cathodic protection surveys, non-destructive testing, and pipeline integrity assessments, supporting operations in challenging conditions like the Gulf of Mexico.[29] For example, ROVs have been used in projects including stem clamp installations on platforms like BP's Mad Dog Spar and hydrate remediation on flowlines for W&T Offshore.[29]In light construction, C-Innovation handles the installation and decommissioning of subsea components, including trees, rigid and flexible jumpers, flying leads, manifolds, and suction piles, often in support of pipeline and flowline infrastructure.[29] Survey services complement these efforts, utilizing ROV positioning, long baseline (LBL) systems, and inertial navigation with ultra-short baseline (INS USBL) for precise subsea mapping and project execution.[30] Specialized vessels, such as the multi-purpose support vessel MV Dove equipped with cranes and ROV deployment systems, enable trenching, installation, and decommissioning tasks, as demonstrated in the Salamanca field development for LLOG Exploration and the 2025 decommissioning of the Joliet tension leg platform.[29] This integration allows for end-to-end project support, from engineering and logistics to offshore implementation, distinct from surface transportation by focusing on underwater precision and infrastructure longevity.[31]
Facilities and infrastructure
Shipyards
Edison Chouest Offshore operates a network of affiliated shipyards specializing in the construction, repair, and conversion of offshore support vessels (OSVs), primarily supporting the company's fleet and Jones Act-compliant maritime operations. These facilities, located along the U.S. Gulf Coast, enable in-house design, engineering, and fabrication of specialized vessels, ensuring compliance with domestic cabotage laws and enhancing operational efficiency for offshore energy sectors. The shipyards collectively handle new builds, major overhauls, and refits, with a growing emphasis on vessels for renewable energy applications such as wind farm support.The primary shipyards include North American Shipbuilding in Larose, Louisiana, founded in 1974 and recognized for constructing more specialized OSVs than any other yard globally. This facility has pioneered key innovations, including the first U.S.-built Antarctic icebreaking research vessel, the first U.S. dynamically positioned OSV, and the world's first floating production system installation vessel. LaShip, located in Houma, Louisiana, serves as the largest shipyard in the Chouest family, offering ultra-modern capabilities for new construction, repairs, conversions, and refits under strict quality controls. Gulf Ship LLC, established in 2006 in Gulfport, Mississippi, focuses on building OSVs for private industry and government contracts, having expanded its 38-acre site in 2014 to increase production capacity. Tampa Ship, acquired in 2009 and based in Tampa Bay, Florida, provides full-service repair and overhaul with four large graving docks capable of accommodating vessels up to 900 feet in length and 150,000 deadweight tons, making it the largest such facility between Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Hampton Roads, Virginia.These shipyards excel in producing Jones Act-compliant vessels, including platform supply vessels, crew boats, and wind support ships up to 525 feet, alongside conversions and maintenance services that extend vessel lifespans and adapt them for diverse missions. Recent projects highlight their role in fabricating service operations vessels (SOVs) for offshore wind, such as the ECO Edison, constructed across multiple sites with advanced features like battery-hybrid propulsion. Maintenance capabilities encompass dry-docking, steel fabrication, and system upgrades, supporting fleet reliability in harsh marine environments.Historically, the shipyards have underpinned Chouest's growth since the 1970s, with North American Shipbuilding delivering early milestones like the M/V Sea Venture, a 348-foot survey support vessel completed in 2005. Ongoing production has facilitated the expansion of Chouest's fleet from dozens to 285 vessels as of 2024, integrating proprietary designs for enhanced performance in oil, gas, and subsea operations.[2]The facilities contribute significantly to U.S. maritime self-sufficiency by fostering domestic shipbuilding expertise and creating high-skill jobs, with individual projects like the ECO Edison employing over 600 workers across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida sites, and expansions at Gulf Ship adding more than 200 positions. Collectively, these shipyards support thousands of direct and indirect jobs in shipbuilding, welding, and engineering, bolstering regional economies post-disasters like Hurricane Katrina and aligning with national goals for energy independence.
Ports and support bases
Edison Chouest Offshore operates expansive port facilities designed to support its fleet of 285 offshore vessels as of 2024, with primary hubs in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, and an international base in Brazil. These installations provide critical logistical support, including fueling, provisioning, and layberth services, to streamline operations in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.[32][33][2]C-Port, located in Port Fourchon, functions as the company's deepwater hub and a multi-service terminal optimized for minimizing vessel turnaround times. Featuring 24 covered slips, 47 overhead cranes, and 25-foot drafts, it enables efficient cargo transfer, riser handling, and pipe management compliant with ASME, API, and AWS standards. The facility includes 25,000 square feet of covered staging per slip and 33,000 square feet of outdoor storage to accommodate diverse offshore needs.[34]Originating from a strategic vision in 1996, C-Port's infrastructure developed progressively through the 2000s, establishing it as a comprehensive support base with 24-hour access and dockside services tailored for the energy sector. In the 2010s, expansions such as the integration of C-Terminal—offering 1,400 feet of waterfront bulkhead, 226,000 square feet of outside storage, and a 24,000-square-foot warehouse—bolstered capacity to service larger offshore support vessels and subsea operations. These enhancements, including three dedicated cranes and a bulk plant, allow for simultaneous handling of multiple vessels and materials critical to oil and gas projects.[33][34]Complementing U.S. operations, B-Port at the Port of Açu in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serves as an advanced international logistics and repair hub, announced in 2014 and modeled after C-Port. Spanning 574,200 square meters with 567 meters of docks and nine specialized slips (each 25.2 meters wide, equipped with 25-ton cranes), it supports up to 15 vessels at once, including five large platform supply vessels along straight docks, and incorporates a 13,700-metric-ton floating drydock for maintenance. In 2024, B-Port received the Gold Seal from the GHG Protocol's Public Emissions Registry Program. This facility extends Edison Chouest Offshore's provisioning and layberth capabilities to the Campos Basin region.[35][33][2]Strategically positioned near key offshore fields, these ports reduce transit times for clients in the oil and gas industry, enabling faster mobilization of vessels and equipment while integrating seamlessly with broader logistical systems like C-Logistics software for cargo tracking.[34][33]
Training centers
The Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) Training Center was established in 2002 in Cut Off, Louisiana, as one of the first dedicated facilities by an offshore service company to provide specialized instruction in dynamic positioning (DP) systems.[5][36] On May 2, 2002, ECO became the fifth approved training center in the United States—and the only one outside California—for Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) certification, enabling operators to master automated vessel control technologies essential for precise offshore maneuvering.[36] The center features state-of-the-art DP simulators that replicate real-world scenarios, allowing participants to practice fault detection, emergency procedures, and system integration in a controlled environment.[37][38]The training scope encompasses a broad curriculum tailored to maritime operations, including vessel handling through DP and advanced control simulations, safety protocols such as water survival and firefighting exercises, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations via affiliated subsea training programs, and regulatory compliance certifications.[37][38][39] Staffed by U.S. Coast Guard-certified instructors, the center delivers over 75 courses combining classroom theory with hands-on simulations to ensure personnel meet industry standards for offshore safety and efficiency.[2] Each year, more than 3,000 employees and students undergo training, supporting ECO's workforce of over 3,000 across global operations.[2]In the 2020s, the facility expanded its capabilities with advanced simulators to address emerging needs in subsea interventions and offshore wind vessel operations, aligning with ECO's diversification into renewable energy support vessels.[2] The 30,000-square-foot center now incorporates updated modules for hybrid and electric propulsion systems used in service operation vessels (SOVs), preparing crews for wind farm maintenance and installation tasks.[2] These enhancements build on the original DP infrastructure, enabling virtual rehearsals of complex scenarios like turbine positioning and subsea inspections.As a pioneer in formal offshore training, ECO's investment has set a benchmark for the industry, emphasizing accident prevention and operational reliability to minimize incidents and enhance overall efficiency.[5][40] The program's focus on proactive risk management and continuous education has contributed to ECO's strong safety record, with ongoing updates to curricula reflecting evolving regulatory and technological demands.[40][2]
Recent developments
Entry into renewable energy
In 2020, Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) marked its entry into the renewable energy sector through a long-term charter agreement with Ørsted and Eversource for the provision of the first U.S.-flagged, Jones Act-compliant Service Operations Vessel (SOV) dedicated to offshore wind operations.[41][22] Announced on October 1, 2020, the agreement targeted support for Ørsted's Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind, and Sunrise Wind projects off the U.S. East Coast, leveraging ECO's maritime expertise to address the growing demand for domestic vessels in the nascent U.S. offshore wind market.[42]The centerpiece of this initiative was the ECO Edison, a 262-foot diesel-electric SOV constructed at ECO's shipyards in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, designed to accommodate up to 60 technicians for extended crew transfers, maintenance, and operational support at wind farms.[43][44] Featuring advanced amenities including staterooms, a gym, cinema, and a daughter craft launch system, the vessel meets EPA Tier 4 emissions standards and incorporates fuel-efficient technologies to minimize environmental impact.[43] Delivered and christened in May 2024 at the Port of New Orleans, the ECO Edison commenced operations from Port Jefferson, New York, supporting turbine installation and ongoing maintenance for multiple projects.[45][2]By 2024, ECO had expanded its renewable portfolio to include 16 charters across various U.S. offshore wind initiatives, encompassing turbine installation, operations, and maintenance services that collectively represent approximately 67 vessel-years of commitment.[46] This growth reflects ECO's strategic pivot from traditional oil and gas services to renewables, capitalizing on its vessel-building and operational capabilities amid the global energy transition toward decarbonization.[47][2] The company has outlined plans for additional SOVs, including hybrid models, to further support the sector's expansion.[48][46] In June 2025, ECO launched the ECO Liberty, a 262-foot plug-in hybrid SOV built for Equinor's Empire Wind project off New York, capable of accommodating 60 technicians and featuring battery power for reduced emissions.[49]
Major acquisitions
In the 2010s, Edison Chouest Offshore pursued strategic acquisitions to bolster its shipbuilding and subsea capabilities, including the 2014 purchase of Bollinger Shipyards in partnership with executive Ben Bordelon, which integrated a major Louisiana-based facility specializing in vessel construction and repair.[50] This move enhanced the company's domestic manufacturing footprint and supported fleet expansion for offshore operations. Earlier integrations in the 2000s laid foundational growth, such as the 2007 formation of affiliate C-Innovation to provide advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV) services and subsea solutions in the Gulf of Mexico.[51] Complementing this, port expansions included the 2008 acquisition of Tampa Shipyard to strengthen logistics in Florida and a 2000 lease for developing a multi-service terminal at the Port of Galveston, facilitating offshore support infrastructure.[52]Building on these foundations, the company accelerated subsea-focused deals in the 2020s. In 2020, C-Innovation acquired a controlling interest in Caltex Oil Tools, expanding tool and equipment offerings for subsea intervention and maintenance.[53] The 2024 acquisition of ROVOP, an Aberdeen, UK-based provider, added significant assets including numerous ROVs and subsea vehicles, bringing the combined fleet—alongside C-Innovation—to over 100 ROVs and six subsea vessels.[9] This family-owned transaction maintained Chouest's control while boosting inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) services across oil, gas, and renewable sectors.[54] In 2025, the acquisition of Norwegian ROV manufacturer Kystdesign further strengthened in-house production of underwater robotics, enhancing technological integration for global projects.[6]These acquisitions have profoundly impacted Edison Chouest Offshore's operations, growing its subsea fleet to more than 100 ROVs and enabling entry into markets like offshore wind support through versatile IMR capabilities.[9] By prioritizing family-controlled deals, the company has sustained strategic agility, improved competitiveness in international waters, and diversified beyond traditional oil and gas into renewables without diluting ownership.
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