Known in the maritime industry for his vision and creativity, Erik Hvide is an internationally recognized leader in the maritime industry. Mr. Hvide served from 1994 to 1999 as Chairman and CEO of a global maritime conglomerate with a fleet of more than 270 tankers, product carriers, offshore supply vessels, crewboats, inland tugs & barges, offshore towboats, and harbor tugs in ports around the globe. The conglomerate was sold to SEACOR Holdings Inc. for almost to $1 billion in 2005. Mr. Hvide joined the company in 1970 and was appointed Vice President and a Director in 1973. From 1981 to 1994 he was President and COO.

Under Mr. Hvides leadership, the company grew from a small family operation into a dynamic global service corporation. With vision, strategic planning and tenacity, he raised $1.5 billion in capital and grew the company from 23 vessels to one of the world-leading providers of global marine support services with a fleet of 273 vessels. During this period revenues grew from $40 million to $400 million and EBITDA grew from $11 million to $137 million.

Following its initial public offering in August 1996, the company became an active consolidator, successfully concluding 12 acquisitions in its three core businesses. The strong management team built by Mr. Hvide made the rapid growth and international expansion possible. Certified under both ISO and ISM, the company has earned a reputation based upon providing benchmark quality service with over 2500 multinational employees operating in 20 countries around the world.

Recognized as a leader in the maritime industry, he holds two patents on revolutionary technology in vessel design. In 1998 Mr. Hvide was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame and received the ERNST and YOUNG LLP Master Entrepreneur of the Year. He has served as a congressional appointee to the U.S. Coast Guard Towing Safety Advisory Committee, Counsel Member American Bureau of Shipping and has been served on the board of various industry and civic organizations, academic, religious, corporate and bank boards.


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