Maritime Innovation, a centre specialised in the management of small and medium sized ports, is the only centre of its kind in Quebec. It is also recognized as a specialised intermodal transport logistics centre with the maritime connection playing a key role.

Port management and marine transport have long been considered as separate entities which interact only through their business connections. Today, pressure from major shippers, the growth of global business and new methods in supply chain management, have contributed to slowly weld these two specialties into one.

In the integration of different methods of transport and the reduction of transit times, it has become essential that marine transport companies and port managers work hand in hand. Without a doubt, this is the major contributor to the growth of the port management and marine transport niche over the last few years. In order to attain this level of integration and cooperation, major technological advances in navigation, cargo handling at the ports and in ICT were necessary. There are implications for the vessel (configuration, size, speed…), port handling (transhipping, interior and exterior warehousing capacities, road and rail access…) and the computer technology required to consolidate it all.

Innovation maritime developed a unique data base of Canadian port traffic which it has been used in evaluating new port services, among other things. Innovation maritime has also conducted several feasibility studies for new marine and intermodal transport services in Canada and overseas.