Tidewater Inc. provides offshore service vessels and marine support services through the operation of a fleet of marine service vessels. It provides services in support of offshore exploration, field development, and production, including towing of and anchor handling for mobile offshore drilling units; transporting supplies and personnel necessary to sustain drilling, workover, and production activities; offshore construction, ROV operations, and seismic support; and various specialized services, such as pipe and cable laying. The company operates and charters deepwater vessels, including platform supply vessels, and anchor handling towing supply vessels that are used in transporting supplies and equipment from shore bases to deepwater and intermediate water depth offshore drilling rigs, platforms, and other installations; towing-supply and supply vessels for use in intermediate and shallow waters; and crewboats and utility vessels for use in transporting personnel and supplies from shore bases to offshore drilling rigs, platforms, and other installations. It also operates offshore tugs used for towing floating drilling rigs; assisting in the docking of tankers; towing barges; assist in pipe laying, cable laying, and construction barges; and towing barges carrying various bulk cargoes and containerized cargo. In addition, the company operates inshore tugs for use within inland waters; and production, line-handling, and various other special purpose vessels. Further, it operates two shipyards that construct, modify, and repair vessels. As of March 31, 2012, the company had 342 vessels serving the offshore energy industry worldwide. Tidewater Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana.