In the bustling shipbuilding industry, where precision and reliability are paramount, Techsol Marine has emerged as a true Canadian success story. From its roots in Quebec City to becoming a vital player in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Techsol’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability and innovation.
A Leader in Marine Electrical Systems
So, what exactly does Techsol do?
At its core, Techsol is a marine electrical system integrator. The company designs and builds custom electrical systems for ships, including power distribution, power management and automation systems. Their expertise extends to crafting bridge consoles, engine room consoles and switchboards, all of which are built in-house at their 20,000-square-foot facility in Quebec City.
What sets Techsol apart is its end-to-end capability. It’s the only marine system integrator in Canada that also manufactures its own consoles. This unique capability makes Techsol highly adaptable and capable of delivering tailored solutions.
This unique business model – a mid-sized company with full engineering and manufacturing capabilities, makes them a perfect fit for complex, large-scale programs like the NSS.
A Partnership that Revived a Company
While Techsol is now thriving, its path to success wasn’t always smooth sailing.
After being acquired by a Dutch firm in 2012, Techsol encountered some challenges, and by 2015, the future looked uncertain.
But then came a game-changing opportunity—the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Techsol was awarded contracts with Seaspan Shipyards, becoming part of Canada’s largest marine procurement program. The NSS is tasked with renewing the fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) while revitalizing the Canadian shipbuilding industry.
These contracts revitalized Techsol and its workforce, allowing it to expand its capabilities.
“Without the NSS, I don’t think there would be a Techsol anymore,” says François Lessard, President of Techsol Marine. “The work we’ve gained through the program isn’t just a bonus—it’s the foundation of our business. It provides the stability and continuity that allows us to thrive. The NSS contracts have become the backbone of our operations, creating long-term opportunities that support our growth, workforce, and innovation. It’s why we’re in business today.”
In 2019, Ocean Group and François Lessard acquired Techsol Marine, making the company 100% Canadian again.
A Growing Workforce and Expanding Horizons
Since securing its first NSS contract in 2015, Techsol has grown significantly. The company now employs nearly 90 people and is planning to expand to a larger 30,000-square-foot facility to meet the growing demand.
Through its partnership with Seaspan, Techsol has worked on numerous CCG and RCN vessels, providing essential electrical systems for programs like the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSV), the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) and the Joint Support Ships (JSS). The company has also landed contracts for future Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs)—a 16-ship program that will keep Techsol busy for years to come.
Pushing the Boundaries of Marine Technology
Techsol isn’t just growing—it’s also innovating.
In response to the industry’s shift toward electrification, Techsol recently introduced a remote monitoring system that uses shipboard sensors to collect and transmit data to shore-based teams. This allows crews to monitor performance, detect issues and optimize maintenance in real-time, improving both efficiency and safety.
Looking to the Future: Growth and Electrification
With its strong foothold in Canada, Techsol is now eyeing export opportunities. The company is eager to re-enter the international market, using its success with the NSS as a powerful calling card.
“We’re seeing growing opportunities in the U.S. market, especially with the increasing demand for electric and hybrid vessels,” says Sébastien Royal, Techsol’s Director of Major Accounts. “Electrification is quickly becoming the next frontier in shipbuilding and we want to help the industry transition toward greener, more sustainable solutions.”
Indeed, with the world investing in fully electric and hybrid vessels, Techsol is well-positioned to lead the charge and is already eyeing opportunities to work on electric ferries and tugboats.
A Bright Future on the Horizon
Techsol’s journey is a true Canadian success story—one of resilience, innovation and growth. From difficult times to becoming a key player in Canada’s marine industry, Techsol is helping shape the future of Canadian shipbuilding and is poised to power the next generation of ships, both at home and abroad.