Based in Norfolk, Virginia, Seaward Marine Services, Inc. operates as a specialized provider of underwater ship husbandry and emergency marine repairs. The company primarily serves the United States Navy, government agencies, and commercial shipping interests, offering services that maintain vessel readiness and operational efficiency without the need for dry-docking. Unlike general marine contractors, the firm focuses specifically on the subsea maintenance of vessel hulls, utilizing divers and remotely operated systems to preserve the structural and functional integrity of fleets.
Established in 1972, the company initially focused on deep-sea search and recovery operations before pivoting to underwater maintenance. Over the ensuing decades, it expanded its capabilities to become a dominant entity in underwater hull cleaning, a critical service for reducing fuel consumption and extending the service life of naval and commercial ships. In 2017, the organization was acquired by MHI Ship Repair & Services, a move that integrated its specialized diving capabilities with broader ship repair infrastructure while retaining its distinct brand identity and operational focus.
The company’s geographic footprint is strategically aligned with major naval and maritime hubs. In addition to its headquarters on the East Coast, it maintains significant operations in San Diego, California, and Kapolei, Hawaii. This distribution allows the firm to service the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, including vessels operating in the Western Pacific region. The Hawaii facility specifically functions as a logistical bridge for operations extending toward Guam and Japan, ensuring rapid mobilization for vessels requiring immediate underwater intervention.
The core of the company’s operations involves the removal of marine fouling—such as barnacles and algae—from ship hulls, propellers, and intake grates. To achieve this, the firm employs certified commercial divers and utilizes proprietary multi-brush cleaning systems designed to clean vast surface areas efficiently. Beyond cleaning, the company performs underwater non-destructive testing (NDT), inspections, and hull repairs. Its long-standing relationship with the U.S. Navy is evidenced by multi-year contracts for worldwide hull cleaning, validating its role as a key support element in national defense logistics. Through these specialized activities, Seaward Marine Services helps vessel operators adhere to environmental protocols and maintain optimal hydrodynamic performance.
