Based in Quebec, SOS Marine operates as a specialized service provider dedicated to the merchant marine and port sectors across Eastern Canada. Established in 2015 by founders Brigitte Roy and Jeff Larochelle, the company was built on a foundation of over fifteen years of prior industry experience, allowing it to rapidly integrate into the logistical supply chains of the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, the Saguenay River, and the Atlantic Maritime provinces.
The company functions primarily as a support partner for ship owners, operators, shipping agencies, and port authorities, offering essential maintenance and vessel readiness services. Its core operations focus on the rigorous cleaning and preparation of commercial vessels, ensuring that cargo holds meet strict regulatory standards, including those set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the USDA. This capability is critical for bulk carriers transitioning between different types of agricultural or sensitive cargo, where contamination risks must be eliminated.
Beyond cargo hold preparation, SOS Marine provides specialized industrial cleaning for engine rooms, tanks, heavy machinery, and conveyor systems. The company also manages environmental logistics through the pumping, recovery, and treatment of wash water, oily water, sludge, and bilges, ensuring vessels comply with environmental discharge regulations while in port. Given the severe winter conditions of its operational region, the firm also offers de-icing services and cargo hold heating, which are vital for maintaining shipping schedules during freezing months.
The organization maintains specific industry certifications, such as Cognibox qualification, which verifies its adherence to health, safety, and environmental compliance standards. By positioning itself as a responsive, adaptable service force, the company addresses the operational challenges of the commercial shipping industry, facilitating smoother port turnarounds and ensuring vessels remain compliant and operational throughout the rigorous shipping season in North America’s key waterways.
