Tidewater Canada

08/26/2025

Announcement: Tidewater Welcomes Coulston Van Gundy as New Vice President of Shipyard and Terminal Operations

Tidewater is pleased to announce that Coulston (Cole) Van Gundy has joined the company as Vice President of Shipyard and Terminal Operations. Cole brings more than 19 years of maritime industry experience to Tidewater. He joins from Crowley, where he most recently served as Vice President of Engineering, leading the engineering services group responsible for civil and marine design, engineering, and construction management for internal and external clients.

Over his career, Cole has overseen the delivery of more than 20 vessels and assets, including tugs, tankers, barges, fireboats, and research vessels. Among the highlights: the largest Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker barge, Progress, and the first all-electric U.S. harbor tug, the eWolf.

“Having worked closely with Cole in the past, I know the expertise, integrity, and energy he brings to his role,” said Johan Sperling, President and CEO of Tidewater. “His background in both vessel and shore operations, combined with his leadership in engineering innovation, will be invaluable as Tidewater continues to strengthen our operations and pursue opportunities in sustainable maritime solutions.”

Cole earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a U.S. Coast Guard license from California Maritime Academy, where he also completed a master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

“I am excited to join Tidewater at this important time for the company and our industry,” said Cole Van Gundy. “Tidewater has a proud legacy and a bright future, and I look forward to working alongside this talented team to advance our shipyard and terminal operations.”

06/10/2025

What a fantastic day on the greens!

Last week, Tidewater hosted our annual Golf Customer & Vendor Appreciation Event at the terrific Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, WA — and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.

We’re incredibly grateful for the partnerships that power our work every day, and this event was our way of saying thank you to the customers and vendors who help make it all possible.

Great people, friendly competition (under the limbo stick and hole-in-one putting contest 😃), and sunshine — a winning combination. Until next year! 🌞⛳️

06/04/2025

Tidewater is proud to celebrate Kayla D’Ambrosi, who has been named a 2025 Inland Marine Expo (IMX) 40 Under 40 award recipient!

Kayla joined Tidewater eleven years ago after graduating from the California Maritime Academy in the Bay Area, where she was born and raised. She began her career as a Night Dispatcher and later advanced to Dispatch Relief Specialist, covering a range of dispatch roles. After transitioning to the Maintenance Department as a Maintenance and Engineering Planner, she moved into her current role in 2024 as the Helm Integration Facilitator. In this position, she works across Tidewater’s business units to implement and integrate Helm CONNECT.

Kayla has brought drive, expertise, and a deep commitment to operational excellence. Her leadership and versatility make a lasting impact across our operations, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her recognized on a national stage. We’re lucky to have her as part of the Tidewater team and can’t wait to see what she tackles next!

Kayla shares: “Over the past 11 years, Tidewater has provided me with valuable opportunities to develop and advance my career. I’ve had the chance to take on exciting challenges and work with some of the best people in the industry. I’m excited about the innovation and collaboration ahead, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that values teamwork, growth, and forward-thinking solutions.”

03/21/2025

TIDEWATER FINALIZES CONTRACT FOR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART LIQUID REFINED PRODUCT BARGES

Tidewater Transportation and Terminals is pleased to announce the finalization of a contract with Gunderson Marine and Iron, a Portland, Oregon-based shipyard, for the construction of four new liquid refined product barges. This strategic investment reinforces Tidewater’s commitment to providing safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible marine transportation solutions for the Pacific Northwest.

The state-of-the-art barges will measure 272 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 18 feet 6 inches deep, with a capacity of 20,000 barrels. Designed and constructed for service on the Columbia Snake River System, these inland liquid tank barges will be certified by the United States Coast Guard and comply with OPA 90 requirements. The first two barges are scheduled for delivery in May and July 2026, with the remaining two arriving in November 2026 and February 2027. These new assets will enhance Tidewater’s ability to serve its customers with increased reliability and capacity while supporting the evolving energy landscape in the region.

“This investment is a testament to our dedication to meeting the growing needs of our customers and the communities we serve,” said Johan Sperling, President and CEO of Tidewater. “By partnering with Gunderson Marine and Iron, we are not only strengthening our fleet but also supporting a valued local business that shares our commitment to quality and innovation.”

Jeff Murphy, Portfolio Manager of Ullico Infrastructure Fund, added, “We are excited about this next phase of Tidewater’s fleet modernization. These new barges will bolster our ability to transport vital energy products safely and efficiently while ensuring we continue to meet the highest operational and environmental standards.”

Gunderson Marine and Iron, a long-established shipbuilding leader in the Pacific Northwest, will construct the barges at its Portland facility.

“We are honored to partner with Tidewater on this important project,” said Dee Burch, President of Gunderson Marine and Iron. “This contract is a win for our workforce and the regional economy. We look forward to delivering high-quality barges that will serve Tidewater and its customers for decades to come.”

Tidewater, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, is the leading inland tug and barge company west of the Mississippi River and also operates five terminals along the Columbia Snake River System. Its flagship terminal in Pasco, Washington, recently opened a full-service biofuel and renewable diesel blending and distribution facility, further expanding its ability to meet the region’s energy needs.

02/19/2025

Tidewater is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Mack as the Company's new Vice President of Marine Operations. With an extensive background in maritime transportation and operations, Chris brings over two decades of industry experience to the Tidewater team.

Chris earned his Bachelor's degree in Maritime Transportation from the California Maritime Academy and received his Master of Marine Transportation and Engineering Management from California State University Maritime Academy in 2023. He began his maritime career as an Able Seaman, progressing to the role of Captain within the Ocean Towing Fleet. Over a span of more than 20 years at Foss Maritime, Chris held various shoreside positions, culminating in his role as Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw comprehensive marine operations.

Chris also has extensive experience managing large, complex projects and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, demonstrating his expertise in structured project ex*****on and strategic planning.

Johan Sperling, Tidewater's President and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about Chris joining the leadership team stating, "Chris brings a unique blend of hands-on maritime experience and strategic leadership to Tidewater. His deep understanding of marine operations and commitment to safety and efficiency will be pivotal as we navigate future growth opportunities and continue to provide exceptional service to our customers.”

In addition to leading Tidewater’s marine operations, Chris will play a key role in shaping the company's labor relations strategy, overseeing the alignment and ex*****on of the company’s four Collective Bargaining Agreements. He will also spearhead the advancement of Tidewater’s project management philosophy, driving structured ex*****on and continuous improvement across key operational initiatives.

06/28/2024

Tidewater Announces Retirement of President & CEO Todd Busch; Johan Sperling Named Successor

Tidewater announces the retirement of President and CEO Todd Busch, effective June 30, after four and a half years of exemplary leadership and service. Todd has been instrumental in driving significant changes within the organization, including building a new leadership team, fostering an inclusive and positive company culture, revitalizing customer relationships, and navigating the challenges of the pandemic and a change in company ownership.

Joining Tidewater at a critical juncture, Todd has led the company with dedication and vision, steering it through a significant evolution that has enhanced its capabilities and set the state for future growth. One of Todd's key contributions was bringing Johan Sperling on board as the Chief Operating Officer on September 1, 2020. Johan has since played a vital role, together with the rest of the leadership team, in executing Todd's strategic initiatives and operational improvements.

With Todd’s retirement, we are pleased to announce that Johan Sperling will step into the role of President & CEO on July 1. Johan brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to advancing the transformation path set by Todd. His leadership will be crucial in driving Tidewater’s mission forward, ensuring stability, growth, and a continued commitment to excellence and innovation.

"Todd's leadership has been nothing short of remarkable," said Johan Sperling. "His vision and dedication have set a strong foundation for Tidewater's future. I am honored to have the opportunity to build on his legacy and lead Tidewater into its next chapter."

Todd will remain an advisor to Tidewater and will join the board of directors. We express our sincere appreciation to Todd Busch for his unwavering dedication and valuable contributions to Tidewater and wish him the very best in his retirement. We look forward to an exciting future under Johan Sperling's capable leadership.

05/30/2024

Check out this stunning shot from Tidewater Pilot Nick Zametkin! 📸 🌟 Nick captured a four-barge tow against the mesmerizing backdrop of the northern lights. Absolutely breathtaking! 😃

05/22/2024

TIDEWATER ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART LIQUID PRODUCT BARGES

Tidewater, a leading provider of marine transportation and terminal services on the Columbia Snake River System, announces a strategic investment in its fleet to enhance service capabilities and support sustainable energy transport across the Pacific Northwest.

Recognizing the evolving needs of customers across the region, the Tidewater Board of Directors have approved the design and engineering of a new, state-of-the-art refined liquid products barge. This initiative is part of a strategic plan to replace older, less efficient barges, significantly enhancing our fleet’s safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Poised to begin the construction of up to four of these advanced barges following the initial phase, Tidewater is firmly committed to aligning our resources to meet future demands and seize market opportunities.

These cutting-edge barges will bolster Tidewater's ability to seamlessly serve customers on both sides of the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, facilitating the transport of eco-friendly fuels via the safest and most efficient mode of surface transportation. These barges will also support the recent investments Tidewater has made at its terminals in Pasco, WA, and Umatilla, OR to bring renewable, conventional and biofuels to our markets.

"Our investment in these new barges reflects Tidewater's unwavering dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers while advancing sustainable practices in the transportation sector," said Todd Busch, President and CEO of Tidewater.

Jeff Murphy, Managing Director of Infrastructure Investments for Ullico and Tidewater’s Chairman of the Board, added, “Our support underscores the confidence we have in Tidewater’s management team and their vision for the future. We’re committed to being a reliable partner for businesses across the Pacific Northwest.”

Tidewater’s terminals are strategically located along the vital Columbia Snake River System, connecting customers to local, regional, and global markets. Key terminals include Vancouver, Washington; Boardman and Umatilla, Oregon; and Pasco, Washington.

For more information about Tidewater and its services, please visit Tidewater.com.

02/06/2024

Exciting News at Tidewater! We're thrilled to announce a new chapter in our journey as Ullico Inc. acquires a controlling interest in Tidewater. This marks a significant milestone for us, and we're eager to embark on this adventure of growth and collaboration.

Ullico's expertise and commitment align perfectly with Tidewater's vision, and we can't wait to leverage this partnership to reach new heights in the maritime and terminal industries. Together, we'll navigate the future with innovation, resilience, and a shared passion for excellence.

Ullico Inc. today announced the closing of its purchase of additional investment interests in Tidewater Holdings, Inc.

11/03/2023

Tidewater Subsea is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the September 2023 subsea maintenance campaign for our esteemed client, JASCO Applied Sciences. JASCO, a global leader in underwater noise science and its impact on marine life, collaborated with Tidewater's expert team to retrieve two highly sensitive underwater hydrophone arrays used to monitor marine mammals in the Boundary Pass area. Thanks to weeks of meticulous planning, detailed engineering, and thorough preparation, our team executed yet another operation seamlessly.

06/15/2023

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Tri-Cities last week for Tidewater's Customer Golf Tournament! We appreciate you.

After trying their luck at a hole-in-one putting contest, teams got their photo taken and were sent off to the next hole with a refreshing drink from the clubhouse. Here are a few pics from the day.🙂⛳📷🍺

06/15/2023

Thank you to the Port of Whitman County for organizing another AMAZING Snake River Family Festival! Tidewater is always excited to participate in this great community event that focuses on the Columbia Snake River System and its importance to the Pacific Northwest. If you haven't visited this area of the PNW, please make it a priority. It is breathtaking! 🌄💚🚜