OpDAQ is sailing to success!
We are all looking for ways to save energy, reduce energy usage and monitor greenhouse gas emissions, in short, our collective conscience is “greening”. The maritime industry is no stranger to this movement. And the creation of OpDAQ–a new company based in Rimouski that develops and commercializes energy efficiency monitoring systems–is sure to contribute to this greening of the marine sector.
M. Levesque and M. Massicotte at the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology conference in Hamburg, Germany
OpDAQ, which is the contraction of the phrase Optimization of operations via data acquisition, was founded in 2008 by three dynamic, creative young entrepreneurs in love with all things technology.
More specifically, the creation of OpDAQ stems from a technology transfer with Innovation Maritime, a technology transfer college centre affiliated with the Rimouski CEGEP. Established for the purpose of bringing to market the results of research projects developed by Innovation Maritime to optimize ship operations, OpDAQ can count on the region’s entire maritime community to support its endeavours.
The stars were probably well aligned for Charles Massicotte and François Levesque whose perseverance and hard work in carrying out the various projects in the works, following the departure of their co-partner, was crowned with success. Indeed, they ensured the company’s survival and sustainability by earning the trust and respect of their clients.
Rimouski, Technopole Maritime
OpDAQ operates in a sector that is considered a priority for the Bas-Saint-Laurent: marine science and technology. This industrial cluster is in constant development and the arrival of OpDAQ is enhancing the offerings while making the region more competitive. The many companies in this sector form a real competitiveness pole offering local residents highly skilled jobs and thus helping to retain and recruit talent in the region. OpDAQ is one such company and employs five people.
The products developed by OpDAQ are one-of-a-kind in Canada. The establishment of this player is strengthening Rimouski’s status as the Technopole maritime du Québec!
Canada Economic Development awarded OpDAQ financial assistance for its startup operations. The funding translated into support for the firm’s commercialization activities, which should lead to rising sales and greater competitiveness.
To this end, OpDAQ has taken part in conferences and trade shows in the United States and Europe, in addition to meeting with potential customers, all steps instrumental in bolstering its visibility.
Shipping industry goes green
OpDAQ, whose clients include major shipowners, could be a tremendous asset in the greening of the Canadian marine industry. In this context, the firm develops efficient and affordable environmental improvement instrumentation that can be tailored to older ships. Shipowners on both sides of the border have put in place an initiative–Green Marine–whose goal is to improve the shipping industry’s environmental record, setting out, among others, specific, measurable emission reduction targets. These fleet operators represent a prime market for OpDAQ.
The products developed by OpDAQ are one-of-a-kind in Canada. Moreover, being based in Rimouski gives the company a huge competitive advantage in terms of serving the Atlantic market. In Rimouski, the promoters found all the expertise they needed to bring their project to fruition, whether in electronics, machining, or software development, as well as many industry suppliers. After three years of operation, OpDAQ has made a breakthrough in New Brunswick and its market continues to grow, primarily in North America.
The establishment of this new player is strengthening Rimouski’s status as the Technopole maritime du Québec!
For further details on OpDAQ: http://www.opdaq.com
