Chouest Group Acquires Canada’s Horizon Maritime in Major Expansion

The Louisiana-based Chouest Group has acquired Canadian marine and offshore services provider Horizon Maritime, expanding its presence across Canada’s East and West coasts and into the Arctic.

The deal, announced Monday, brings together Chouest’s global offshore support fleet, subsea capabilities, shipbuilding operations and marine technology businesses with Horizon Maritime’s established Canadian operations and expertise in harsh-environment offshore services.

Horizon Maritime, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, was acquired from CFFI and its lender, HPS, through a strategic partnership with the company’s founders. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisition gives Chouest a stronger foothold in Canada’s offshore energy, Arctic and marine sectors, while providing Horizon access to a much larger fleet and range of specialized services.

“We are excited to welcome Horizon Maritime to the Chouest Group,” said Dino Chouest. “We see immense value in Horizon’s team, leadership and operational excellence.”

“Combining Chouest’s global fleet expertise and technology with Horizon’s local footprint across Canada’s vast coastlines opens up incredible growth potential across Canada’s East Coast, West Coast and Arctic regions,” he added.

Horizon Maritime specializes in marine operations in challenging environments, with experience supporting offshore energy projects, Arctic operations and other specialized maritime activities. The company has also developed relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada.

Under the agreement, Horizon will retain its existing management team and leadership structure. Steve Widmeyer will continue as CEO, while Widmeyer and co-founder Sean Leet will join the company’s board of directors.

The companies said the arrangement will ensure continuity for existing customers, ongoing projects and crewing operations while opening the door to expanded services across the country.

For Horizon, the deal also comes as Canada looks to strengthen its maritime capabilities, particularly in the Arctic, where commercial activity, infrastructure development and national security interests are increasingly overlapping.

“This is an opportunity to build on what we have created and take Horizon Maritime into its next phase of growth,” said Leet.

“The Chouest Group brings significant marine experience, assets and capabilities that will help us scale Horizon Maritime’s offerings to provide increased services and support to our valued customers, while increasing dual-use capacity at a key moment in time for our region and our country.”

Widmeyer emphasized the opportunities the partnership creates for Horizon’s employees, including career development and long-term growth.

The companies also said they remain committed to expanding Indigenous participation in Canada’s marine economy.

The acquisition extends the reach of the privately held, family-owned Chouest Group, which operates across offshore vessel ownership and operations, shipbuilding, subsea services, specialized engineering and advanced technology manufacturing.

For Horizon Maritime, the combination provides access to Chouest’s global resources while maintaining its Canadian management and established customer relationships.

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