Larry Rigdon News

U.S.-based Tidewater, one of the world's largest owners of offshore support vessels, announced Thursday that Larry T. Rigdon has chosen not to stand for reelection as non-executive chairman and will retire from the board at the company's annual stockholders meeting on June 26, 2023.Rigdon has served as a member of the company's board of directors since July 2017, and as non-executive chairman of the board since October 2019.Dick H. Fagerstal, Tidewater's lead independent director…

Offshore vessel owner Tidewater on Tuesday announced the appointment of Melissa Cougle to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Cougle most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Frank’s International until November 2021. She previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of National Energy Services Reunited. Cougle began her career with Arthur Andersen in 1999 and subsequently held positions of increasing responsibility in the oilfield services industry at Ensco plc, and prior to that Pride International. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Louisiana State University and is a Certified Public Accountant."Melissa is a seasoned executive with a strong track record of leadership in the oil and gas sector…

Offshore support vessel (OSV) owner Tidewater Inc. announced Wednesday the appointment of Darron M. Anderson to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.Anderson has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors of Ranger Energy Services since March 2017. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Express Energy Services from 2008 to August 2015. Anderson began his career in the oil and natural gas industry…

Tidewater, which owns and operates the largest fleet of offshore support vessels in the industry, announced that Larry T. Rigdon has been elected Chairman of the Board effective October 28th.Rigdon replaces Dr. Thomas R. Bates, Jr., who has recently resigned from the board, said a press note.Rigdon has been a member of the Tidewater Board of Directors since August 2017. He has extensive prior experience as an executive at Tidewater. Rigdon served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Tidewater for the five-month period ended March 2018 and had previously joined the Company in 1992 upon the merger with Zapata Gulf Marine Corporation.After successive roles of increasing responsibility, he left the company as Executive Vice President in 2002.

Terresolve Technologies, Ltd. announced that Larry Rigdon, founder and former CEO of the Rigdon Marine Corporation, has joined the company’s board of directors. Rigdon, a former executive vice president of Tidewater, Inc., also sits on the board of the National Ocean Industries Association. “Larry’s very broad business experience will be a real asset to Terresolve,” said Mark Miller, the company’s CEO. “He has done some amazing things including raising significant venture capital and growing and running a business worth several hundred million dollars. His experience in the marine industry, which is one of our target markets, will prove invaluable. Rigdon founded the Houston-based Rigdon Marine Corporation in 2002 and served as its CEO and Chairman until retiring from the company in 2008.

Mentor, OH, March 31, 2011 – Terresolve Technologies, Ltd. today announced that Larry Rigdon, founder and former CEO of the Rigdon Marine Corporation, has joined the company’s board of directors. Rigdon, a former executive vice president of Tidewater, Inc., also sits on the board of the National Ocean Industries Association. “Larry’s very broad business experience will be a real asset to Terresolve,” said Mark Miller, the company’s CEO. “He has done some amazing things including raising significant venture capital and growing and running a business worth several hundred million dollars.

Larry Rigdon, President and CEO of Rigdon Marine, said that the second vessel in its 10 vessel contract has been delivered by Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc. of Mobile, Alabama. The M/V Bourbon was issued a United States Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation (COD) for coastwise trade in the United States and is fully classed by the American Bureau of Shipping for international operations. The M/V Bourbon was immediately deployed to a major oil company for work in the Gulf of Mexico after its christening by Mrs. Maxine Rigdon, mother of Larry Rigdon.

Larry Rigdon, President and CEO of Rigdon Marine, said that the second vessel in its 10 vessel contract has been delivered by Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc. of Mobile, Alabama. The M/V Bourbon was issued a United States Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation (COD) for coastwise trade in the United States and is fully classed by the American Bureau of Shipping for international operations. The M/V Bourbon was immediately deployed to a major oil company for work in the Gulf of Mexico after its christening by Mrs. Maxine Rigdon, mother of Larry Rigdon. The M/V Bourbon like its sister vessel, the M/V Orleans, is a 210 x 54 x 19-ft.

Larry Rigdon, President and CEO of Rigdon Marine, announced the signing of a long-term contract to provide offshore vessel services in the Gulf of Mexico to Terra Seismic Services, a Norwegian oil and gas seismic company. Terra Seismic Services is the first seismic services company to deploy a unique Four Component (4C) Ocean Bottom Cable (OBC) data acquisition system for the offshore environment. The system also offers improved and automated in-sea systems handling techniques. These new systems allow Terra Seismic Services to provide oil and gas companies enhanced state-of-the-art seismic data more cost effectively. Terra Seismic Services will employ the ground breaking “VectorSeis Ocean” recording and communication technology system as part of its advanced data acquisition methods.

Four years into the new Millennium designers of workboats are incorporating new technologies and greater efficiencies into their designs to produce vessels that can do more work and do it better than designs of just a few years ago. This is very prevalent in the oil patch where today's supply boat designs emphasize more efficient vessels that can carry as much material to the rig or platform as vessels 30-40 ft. longer in years past. "Our new 207 ft. supply vessels can carry over 6,000 barrels of liquid mud," said Robert Socha, marketing manager of Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La. "That is a key feature of these vessels that can work the new deeper gas wells on the shelf and also carry drilling liquids to the growing number of deepwater wells now in service," Socha added.

Larry Rigdon, President and CEO of Rigdon Marine, said that the fourth vessel in its ten vessel contract has been delivered by Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc. of Mobile, Alabama. The M/V Chartes was issued a United States Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation (COD) for coastwise trade in the United States and is fully classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for international operations. Ms. Mary Rivers, Executive Assistant to Mr. Larry Rigdon since 1995, christened the M/V Chartes at Bender. “I am honored that Mr. Rigdon selected me to christen the ‘Chartres’ and introduce this new vessel into the most technologically advanced fleet now operating in the Gulf of Mexico,” Ms. Rivers said upon breaking the traditional champagne bottle against the ship’s hull.

James (Jay) A. Harkness was recently appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Rigdon Marine. Mr. Harkness is responsible for the financial management of the company, including fiscal controls, insurance placement and claims management and financial reporting. “Jay is a very capable individual with an astute background in all financial procedures of a vessel operating company,” said Larry Rigdon. “He is a take charge person, capable of providing critical data and important statistics, which are essential in the analysis of business forecasts and investments in our capital asset inventory. Mr. Harkness has been involved in the marine services industry for over fourteen years…

Longtime readers of Maritime Reporter know by now that, above all else, I like to find and deliver a good story. Whether discovered at a small, family-owned business in the Bayou, or in a more corporate setting across the ocean, this industry offers an abundance of interesting characters and companies, each with a unique plot twist in the constant battle to make a living in an ever-changing, ever-challenging business environment. Admittedly, most of the really good stories come with the disclaimer: “but you can’t print that”, which I always honor, but in general I’m amazed to continually find top editorial ideas, often right in my own backyard. Such is the case this month, which in my opinion contains several worthy articles.

A recent visit to New Orleans afforded MR a chat with Larry Rigdon, a man who has stirred controversy and heated debate among offshore vessel providers, while steadfastly building what is far from the largest but arguably the finest fleet of boats serving the offshore market. Politics, Money & Competition: By all accounts, Larry Rigdon has had an interesting run through his mid-50s. While thoughts of the majority of men his age are turning to 401K values and retirement, Rigdon decided to design and build a fleet of ten 210- x 54- x 19-ft. diesel-electric platform supply vessels, vessels designed to offer the offshore market an unprecedented level of performance via an adherence to top technical specification.

Mr. Larry Rigdon, President and CEO of Rigdon Marine announced that Mrs. Janie Babin, wife of Michael Babin, Vice President of Administration, christened the “M/V BIENVILLE” in Mobile, Alabama. The “M/V BIENVILLE” is the sixth of ten contracted GPA-640 platform supply vessels to be christened. The vessel joins its sister fleet of 210’ x 54’ x 19’ diesel-electric and dynamic positioning ABS-classed platform supply vessels that are currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico. The “M/V BIENVILLE” was immediately deployed to work after its christening.

Rigdon Marine recently received the M/V Conti, the seventh of ten GPA 640 platform supply vessels being built at Bender Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. Mrs. Patti Guice, wife of Billy Guice, Vice President of Marketing for Rigdon Marine, christened the vessel before it dispatched for contract work in the Gulf of Mexico. “We are extremely please that the M/V Conti was immediately dispatched to support the worldwide offshore activities of a prominent oil service company,” said Larry Rigdon. Rigdon Marine is scheduled to take delivery of sister ships M/V St. Louis in April, 2005; M/V Toulouse in June, 2005; and M/V Esplanade in August, 2005.

Larry Rigdon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rigdon Marine announced the delivery of the M/V ST. LOUIS, the eighth of ten GPA 640 platform support vessels being built at Bender Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. Mrs. Hanan Harkness, wife of James Harkness, Chief Financial Officer of Rigdon Marine, christened the vessel before it was dispatched for contract work in the Gulf of Mexico. “As we near completion of the delivery of the ten GPA 640 PSVs, we are extremely pleased that the offshore industry has embraced our fleet,” said Larry Rigdon. “The immediate deployment of the M/V ST. LOUIS reinforces the numerous advantages of the GPA 640 class of vessels. Rigdon Maine is scheduled to take delivery of sister ships M/V TOULOUSE in June, 2005 and the M/V ESPLANDE in August, 2005.

Larry Rigdon, President and CEO of Rigdon Marine, announced the delivery of the /V St. Louis, the eighth of ten GPA 640 platform support vessels being built at Bender Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. Mrs. Hanan Harkness, wife of James Harkness, CFO of Rigdon Marine, christened the vessel before it was dispatched for contract work in the Gulf of Mexico. “As we near completion of the delivery of the ten GPA 640 PSVs, we are extremely pleased that the offshore industry has embraced our fleet,” said Rigdon. “The immediate deployment of the /V St. Louis reinforces the numerous advantages of the GPA 640 class of vessels. Rigdon Maine is scheduled to take delivery of sister ships M/V Toulouse in June, 2005 and the M/V Eplande in August, 2005.

Although this has been considered an off year in the Gulf of Mexico from rig count and fleet utilization standpoints, it is another record year for major offshore operators expanding their fleets and the shipyards that are building these vessels. Last year, over 50 supply boats were delivered and about an equal number of crew/supply vessels made their way into the fleets of operators. This year looks equally robust as vessels are being ordered in quantities of four, six and even 10. This begs the question as to why offshore vessel operators are order record number of vessels if the business is sluggish? The answer is two fold: Deep water and deep gas. Drilling activity is bound to increase based on these two factors industry leaders believe.

Bollinger Shipyards has announced the signing of a multi-vessel contract with Rigdon Marine Corporation. Bollinger will build ten platform supply vessels (PSV) for Rigdon Marine, based on a new GPA 654 Class, designed by Guido Perla & Associates. The design incorporates increased carrying capacity and greater operating efficiency, compared to similar sized vessels, while at the same time allowing simplified construction methods to reduce construction cost. All ten vessels are planned to be built at Bollinger’s Lockport La. facility. Donald "Boysie" Bollinger, chairman and CEO of Bollinger said, "We are excited about our upcoming program with Rigdon Marine. I have worked along side of Larry and several of his team members for many years.

Larry Rigdon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rigdon Marine, announced that Rigdon Marine Corporation has officially entered the Crewboat and Fast Supply Vessel market with the delivery yesterday of the RIGDON YELLOWFIN. The RIGDON YELLOWFIN was delivered by C&G Boatworks of Mobile, Alabama. Mrs. Margot Jackson christened the RIGDON YELLOWFIN before it was immediately deployed under long term contract to a major oil company in the Gulf of Mexico. “The christening of our first Crewboat marks the beginning of another very exciting chapter in the history of Rigdon Marine Corporation,” said Larry Rigdon. “Today, we are even better positioned to meet the needs of our clients through a wider range of modern, technologically advanced vessels.

Larry Rigdon, president and chief executive officer of Rigdon Marine announced the delivery of the M/V St. Louis, the eighth of 10 GPA 640 platform support vessels (PSV) being built at Bender Shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Hanan Harkness, wife of James Harkness, CFO Officer of Rigdon Marine, christened the vessel before it was dispatched for contract work in the Gulf of Mexico. "As we near completion of the delivery of the ten GPA 640 PSVs, we are extremely pleased that the offshore industry has embraced our fleet," said Larry Rigdon. "The immediate deployment of the M/V St. Louis reinforces the numerous advantages of the GPA 640 class of vessels.

Larry Rigdon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rigdon Marine, announced the appointment of Jim Whitley as Director of Technical Services. Mr. Whitely will be responsible for vessel engineering, new construction, maintenance and repair, vessel documentation, and regulatory compliance. “With over twenty five years of offshore marine experience, Jim possesses a vast knowledge of shipyard management, engineering, and new construction,” Rigdon said. Whitley earned his Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture. He previously worked for Rigdon Marine as an independent contractor…