Maritime industry is part of our identity
Shipbuilding has been our pride and joy for over 300 years
Since the 18th century, shipbuilding has been a driving force behind development, culminating in the founding of Marine Industries in 1937. The Simard brothers' company played an important role in the Canadian war effort, building warships and cannons. Marine's activities continued until 1991, building icebreakers and vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard, which still operates a maintenance center on site. Thanks to this heritage, Sorel-Tracy still benefits today from exceptional assets to contribute to the National Shipbuilding Strategy:
- 2700linear feet of quays, including 1,500 l. ft. with 6 m depth and 1,200 l. ft. with 3 m depth
- 15,000-ton ramp, 400 linear feet long
- 2private railroads connected to CN for a total of 2,665 linear feet
- 1Easy access to Autoroute 30 and the Richelieu River
- 6Msquare feet of industrial land available
Our know-how in metallurgy is an essential asset in shipbuilding. These two areas of expertise have coexisted and contributed to the essence and reputation of the Sorel-Tracy region.
A maritime ecosystem of experience
The 280 HMCS destroyer Iroquois commissioned on July 29, 1972, at Sorel.
The Abegweit ferry at the Sorel shipyards, built at the request of the federal Department of Transport.
The 280 HMCS destroyer Iroquois commissioned on July 28, 1972, at Sorel.
An aerial view of the Sorel-Tracy shipyards, between 1930 and 1950.
The hydrofoil HMCS Bras d'Or 400, built by Marine Industries Limited, was commissioned in 1968. At a certain speed, the wings of this boat lifted its hull out of the water. Propulsion was provided by a gas turbine driving twin propellers.
Aerial view of Marie Industries Limited's facilities in the 1940s.
A Marine Industries Limited worker salutes the 280 HMCS destroyer Iroquois, commissioned at Sorel on July 29, 1972.
Propeller repair at Marine Industries Limited, circa 1980.
The 5,000-ton ramp in the Ludger-Simard industrial park, in the 1980s.
An aerial view of Marine Industries Limited in the 1980s.
Construction of a ship in the Sylvain-Simard building, still in use in the Ludger-Simard industrial park.
Sorel-Tracy has 300 years of shipbuilding expertise. This heritage has given us infrastructures adapted to shipbuilding [...]. Sorel-Tracy has everything it takes to contribute to the National Shipbuilding Strategy and to become a partner of Chantier Davie Canada.Patrick Péloquin, Mayor of the City of Sorel-Tracy
News about our maritime shipyard
Discover our other main sectors
The Steel Highway region stands out for its unrivalled expertise in the metallurgical field.
Find out more
The food industry sector is an important pillar in our regional economy. We have a business for every section of the pantry!
Find out more
Applied research and an exceptional pool of expertise available to investors.
Find out more
Find out more about an innovative technological ecosystem, at the service of technological evolution.
Find out more