(VANCOUVER, Wash.) — Tidewater Transportation and Terminals has named Johan Sperling as its new vice president and chief operating officer. Sperling will have direct oversight and responsibility for the maintenance and engineering department, vessel operations, dispatch and terminal operations. Additionally, he will work closely with Tidewater Environmental Services and Tidewater’s Canadian entity, Island Tug and Barge, to support their efforts for safe and reliable operations.
“Over the last several months we have been working to position Tidewater for the future, bringing together our sales, services, and operational functions to execute our strategy,” said Todd Busch, Tidewater’s president and CEO. “We are fortunate to have someone with Johan’s marine engineering and shipyard knowledge and global commercial experience joining our team. His leadership will prove critical as we support and build the infrastructure needed to drive Tidewater towards a stronger future.”
Before joining Tidewater, Sperling was the vice president, marine services for the Crowley Shipping Group. He led ship assist and tanker escort services, as well as oversaw the ocean-class tug and flat-deck barge fleets, which provide specialized cargo transportation. Based in Seattle, Sperling was previously vice president of marine solutions, and managed Jensen Maritime, Crowley’s naval architecture and marine engineering subsidiary. Prior to his work at Jensen and then Crowley, Sperling was a naval architect.
“I am eager to join the team at what feels like the start of a new era for Tidewater,” Sperling said. “We are well-positioned to see business expand and succeed across every Tidewater entity.”
The native of Sweden earned his degree from the University of New Orleans. Sperling, his wife, Alisha, and their two dogs will be relocating to the Vancouver, Wash., area.
