Chouest Group Acquires Horizon Maritime Services

The Louisiana-based marine firm absorbs Horizon Maritime to expand its operational footprint across Canadian waters.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Business Strategy

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy-duty tugboat navigating icy coastal waters, representing the expansion of Canadian maritime operations.
The Chouest Group has finalized its acquisition of Horizon Maritime Services, a move aimed at expanding the firm's marine service footprint across Canada's three coastlines. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Chouest Group has completed the acquisition of Horizon Maritime Services from CFFI and HPS. This deal integrates the two companies to enhance marine transportation and subsea service capabilities throughout Canada.

Why it matters

The partnership allows the Chouest Group to significantly increase its presence across Canada's three coastlines. By combining fleets, the firms aim to broaden their service offerings and support more complex dual-use maritime operations.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed by the parent companies CFFI and HPS. The agreement covers the transition of ownership while maintaining current management structures at the St. John's headquarters.

The players

The Chouest Group

An international maritime firm based in Louisiana that specializes in offshore support vessels and complex marine logistics.

Horizon Maritime Services

A Canadian marine services company headquartered in St. John's that provides support for offshore and subsea operations.

Steve Widmeyer

He serves as the CEO of Horizon Maritime and has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Chouest Group.

Sean Leet

He is a key executive who will join the Chouest Group Board of Directors following the acquisition.

The details

Horizon Maritime will retain its existing leadership team and operating structure in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. CEO Steve Widmeyer and Sean Leet will transition to the Chouest Group Board of Directors to help guide the expanded marine operations.

Timeline

  1. The acquisition announcement was made on October 26, 2026.

Market Landscape

This acquisition mirrors the broader consolidation trend in the global offshore support vessel industry as companies seek to expand their geographic reach. It positions the Chouest Group to compete more aggressively across Canadian waters by leveraging the established local infrastructure of Horizon Maritime.

Canadian clients can expect broader access to combined marine transportation and subsea services as the two firms integrate their fleets. The retention of local management suggests continuity in current service agreements and operational procedures for existing customers.

The takeaway

This merger signals a strategic move to centralise offshore capabilities within the Canadian maritime sector. The move is expected to bolster the domestic supply chain for marine and subsea transportation services.

Further reading

For more on industry consolidation trends, visit the Business Strategy section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Offshore Engineer.

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