Q&A
Answers to our most frequently asked questions…
What is SODES ?
- SODES is a non-profit organization that unites Québec maritime sector stakeholders to explore economic, environmental, and social opportunities in the Lawrence corridor. SODES represents the diversity of its stakeholders, both public and private, operating in all Québec regions and influencing the St. Lawrence economy. As the maritime industry’s main voice vis-à-vis governments, SODES addresses issues related to transport, regional development and the environment. Its goal is to promote the St. Lawrence community’s prosperity and sustainability.
What are SODES' values?
- Collaboration : SODES works closely with all maritime ecosystem partners, industries and government stakeholders.
- Credibility : SODES is known for its in-depth knowledge of the maritime industry and expertise in maritime issues.
- Dynamism : SODES vitalizes the maritime industry through the services it offers its members and through special projects.
- Leadership : SODES unites the maritime community and uses consensus-building to reach convergent positions on issues shaping the maritime industry.
What are SODES' main objectives for the St. Lawrence’s economic development ?
- Increase the maritime ecosystem’s influence by actively participating in government policy development.
- Promote our members’ growth and success by offering enriched, value-added services.
- Consolidate our expertise through special projects, thereby helping the maritime sector move forward and innovate.
How does SODES help protect and preserve ecosystems and the environment ?
- By promoting sustainable practices: SODES encourages environment-friendly practices in the maritime industry, e.g. emissions reduction, waste management, natural resource preservation.
- By collaborating with stakeholders: In partnership with key maritime-sector players, SODES develops and promotes environmental initiatives like awareness programs, research projects and green technologies.
- Through awareness and education: SODES organizes activities to inform and educate members of the maritime community about environmental issues and best practices for protecting marine ecosystems. It also sits on related committees and participates in discussion groups.
- By funding research projects on underwater noise, decarbonization plans, etc.
What challenges does the maritime industry face ?
- Strengthening the St. Lawrence’s strategic positioning.
- Promoting investment in maritime and logistics infrastructures.
- Environment, energy transition and
- Human resources and the next generation of workers.
- Optimizing shipbuilding.
- Social acceptability and community engagement.
Why become a SODES member?
- Membership provides access to a privileged network of businesses, organizations and institutions linked to the Lawrence and Saguenay rivers.
- Members receive daily media watch reports to stay informed on relevant hot
- Each month, members have access to global strategic watch reports on key trends in decarbonization and ESG principles.
- Members get preferential rates at exclusive events such as the Assises québécoises du secteur maritime (Québec maritime-sector conference).
- Because of its diverse membership, SODES offers inclusive maritime community representation.
- SODES members have the opportunity to make their voice heard within the community and contribute to its recognition and development.
What is the État du transport maritime du Québec (State of Québec maritime transport report) ?
- This report is the result of collaboration by maritime-sector players – Innovation maritime (IMAR) and SODES – with financial support from the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable du Québec (Québec ministry of transport and sustainable mobility) and Novarium.
- The report aims to raise awareness and provide information to those interested in the Québec maritime sector.
- The report offers specific data on maritime transport, enabling an in-depth understanding of the sector and its economic repercussions.
- Data is enhanced continually through collaboration among organizations, development of more accurate tools and the Maritime Information System.
What is the Maritime Information System (MIS) newsletter ?
- The MIS is a collaborative project involving various partners, including Innovation maritime (IMAR), SODES and various government and maritime entities.
- Its goal is to provide a centralized online system for collating, processing and sharing information of crucial importance for the maritime sector.
- Overseen by the Marine Industry Forum, the MIS benefits from its partners’ contributions in the form of data and expertise sharing.
- The MIS evolves and is continually enhanced and enriched with new data.
- The MIS takes the form of a web portal offering easy access to a wide range of maritime transport statistics.
What is the Assises québécoises du secteur maritime (Québec maritime-sector conference) ?
- Organized by SODES, the Assises is a major event for the Québec economy, bringing together key maritime-industry stakeholders.
- The Assises provides a platform for collaboration and exchange among decision-makers, industrial partners, experts and maritime-industry players.
- The Assises’ main goal is to create a forum for discussing Québec maritime-sector issues, challenges and opportunities. For several years, the Assises has promoted mobilization, consolidation of knowledge and a shared vision for the industry.
What is Québec Maritime Day?
- Québec Marine Day (QMD) was officially recognized by government order-in-council in 2002.
- QMD runs every fourth Tuesday of October.
- It is reserved exclusively for SODES members.
- QMD constitutes a unique opportunity for networking and dialoguing with key maritime-sector players.
Any other questions?
If you have any further questions or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!
