# Robert (Robbie) Champagne III

> Robert "Robbie" Champagne III is a Houma-based U.S. Navy veteran, former commercial diver, founder of C-Dive and CEO of Champagne Energy Solutions. Starting as an entry-level tender at American Oilfield Divers, he moved through diving, supervision and project management before starting C-Dive in 2008. His defining operating bet was DSV 217, a purpose-built saturation dive support vessel delivered during a Gulf downturn. C-Dive later became Champagne Energy & Environmental Solutions, joined Edison Chouest Offshore in 2026, and was folded into a broader decommissioning and plug-and-abandonment platform led by Champagne.

- **Role:** CEO at Champagne Energy Solutions
- **Organizations:** Champagne Energy Solutions, Champagne Energy & Environmental Solutions, C-Dive, LLC, Chet Morrison Contractors, American Oilfield Divers, CEANIC, Stolt Offshore, Edison Chouest Offshore
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** South Lafourche High School, Mississippi College, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- **Known for:** Founded C-Dive in Houma in 2008 after progressing from entry-level tender through diving and project management., Helped design and commissioned DSV 217, a purpose-built saturation dive support vessel delivered in 2017., Expanded C-Dive into CEES, with capabilities including saturation diving, remotely operated vehicles, offshore decommissioning and pipeline plug-and-abandonment work.

## Career timeline

- **After U.S. Navy service** — Returned to Louisiana and began at American Oilfield Divers as an entry-level tender, later progressing into commercial diving.
- **1990s** — Moved from offshore diving into project management and later managed a Gulf of Mexico dive division.
- **2008** — Founded C-Dive, LLC in Houma, Louisiana.
- **2013** — C-Dive acquired its first dive support vessel, the DSV Ms. Kerci.
- **2017** — C-Dive took delivery of the purpose-built 185-foot saturation dive support vessel DSV 217.
- **2023** — C-Dive rebranded as Champagne Energy & Environmental Solutions (CEES) to reflect its expanded services.
- **2024** — Served as royalty for the Krewe of Terreanians' 74th year in Houma.
- **2026-03** — CEES joined Edison Chouest Offshore; the existing management team was retained.
- **2026-05** — As CEO of Champagne Energy Solutions, welcomed the Alliance business into the platform following its acquisition from Helix Energy Solutions Group.

## Achievements

- Founded C-Dive in Houma in 2008 after progressing from entry-level tender through diving and project management.
- Helped design and commissioned DSV 217, a purpose-built saturation dive support vessel delivered in 2017.
- Expanded C-Dive into CEES, with capabilities including saturation diving, remotely operated vehicles, offshore decommissioning and pipeline plug-and-abandonment work.
- Led CEES into Edison Chouest Offshore in 2026 and remained in management as CEO of Champagne Energy Solutions.

## Latest updates

- **2026-05** — Champagne, identified as CEO of Champagne Energy Solutions, welcomed the Alliance business after Edison Chouest Offshore completed its acquisition from Helix Energy Solutions Group.
- **2026-03** — CEES joined Edison Chouest Offshore; Champagne said he was energized by the year ahead, and the existing management team was retained.
- **2024-09** — WorkBoat profiled CEES with a fleet of four dive support vessels, a 260-foot lay barge and a mobile saturation system, and quoted Champagne on mentoring the next generation of divers.
- **2024** — Listed as royalty for the Krewe of Terreanians' 74th year in Houma.

## Links

- Website: https://cees.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-robbie-champagne-iii-98b48a37

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/robert-champagne
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-26