About the St. Lawrence Shipowners
A united voice, a strong political influence, and tangible benefits
our mission
Represent and promote the interests of shipowners to support the growth and development of domestic shipping on the waterways of the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, the Arctic, and the Atlantic Ocean.
our vision
To be an innovative and environmentally responsible leader in the development of domestic shipping
Our values
Responsible leadership
We demonstrate mobilizing leadership to advance a maritime industry that is strong, modern, and aligned with today’s economic, environmental, and societal priorities.
Collaboration and alignment
We believe the best solutions emerge through collaboration between logistics chain stakeholders, public decision-makers, and industry partners.
Expertise and rigor
We rely on the expertise of our members and a deep understanding of the industry to inform decisions and support effective policies.
Economic impact
We support the development of high-performing maritime transportation that contributes to community prosperity, business competitiveness, and resilient supply chains.
OUR STORY
Since 1936, the St. Lawrence Shipowners have evolved alongside the river, accompanying the economic, technological, and environmental transformations that shape maritime transport. Our history is that of an industry built on collaboration, expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing domestic shipping in Canada.
On December 4, 1936, 18 ship-owning captains met in Montreal with a simple yet decisive conviction: together, we are stronger. These pioneers laid the foundation for an organization dedicated to representing and defending the interests of the Canadian merchant marine, convinced that collective strength is key to navigating challenges.
Over the decades, the maritime industry has adapted to major historical turning points. It contributed to the war effort, embraced the container revolution, supported the opening of winter navigation on the St. Lawrence River, and continued to evolve through the innovation and expertise of its stakeholders. Day after day, the vessels of our industry transport the essential resources that sustain the country’s economic vitality, support the mobility of people, and contribute to the development of communities.
Today, domestic maritime transport plays a strategic role in securing supply chains, advancing the energy transition, and ensuring the sustainable use of territory. The St. Lawrence–Great Lakes corridor is a major asset for both the Quebec and Canadian economies, and our industry holds the expertise needed to actively contribute to its continued development.
Au cours des dernières années, les Armateurs du Saint-Laurent ont poursuivi leur croissance et renforcé leur rôle de partenaire stratégique auprès des gouvernements, des organisations économiques et des acteurs de la chaîne logistique. Nous avons une force collective qui nous permet de faire progresser les priorités de notre industrie et de soutenir le développement d’un transport maritime performant, innovant et durable.
Fiers de notre parcours, nous poursuivons notre engagement avec la volonté de contribuer activement à la prospérité du Canada et du Québec. Les prochaines années nous invitent à moderniser nos pratiques, à investir dans la formation de la relève, à renforcer nos infrastructures et à accélérer la transition vers des solutions plus durables.