Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Marine Transportation Partner in Burlington, ON
Established in 1956, McKeil Marine has grown from a tug-and-barge operator into one of Canadas leading marine service providers. Our expertise spans customized marine transportation and project services across the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, East Coast, and Canadian Arctic. With a fleet of bulk carriers, tankers, tugs, barges, and workboats, we prioritize safety, innovation, and customer service. Our team of seasoned commercial leaders, engineers, and project managers delivers tailored supply chain solutions, focusing on efficiency and environmental stewardship.Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, we operate with a commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability, serving industries ranging from mining to offshore energy. Our 24/7 emergency response capabilities and decades of experience underscore our position as a trusted partner in marine logistics.
Services
Marine Transportation
Project Cargo Handling
Equipment Rental
Ice Breaking Services
Towing & Ship Assists
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience in specialized marine logistics.
- Our fleet offers customized solutions for challenging cargo and environments.
- 24/7 emergency response ensures uninterrupted service and safety.
- A collaborative team of engineers and project managers guarantees precision.
- Commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
What people say
Trusted partner
Excellent partnership
Outstanding job
Critical to our business
Flexible and professional
Services
Marine Transportation
McKeil Marine specializes in transporting dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, and general cargo across the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, East Coast, and Canadian Arctic. Our fleet of bulk carriers, tankers, and barges is customized for specific commodities, ensuring efficient, safe delivery. With strategic supply chain planning, we optimize loading, handling, and routing to reduce costs and environmental impact for clients in industries like mining and energy.
Project Cargo Handling
We manage complex marine-based infrastructure projects, including bridge construction, offshore development, and Arctic operations. Our team provides engineering, mobilization, and asset management for projects like the Hebron Gravity Based Structure and Voiseys Bay nickel expansion. Using flat deck barges, cranes, and workboats, we deliver tailored solutions for mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors, ensuring precision in challenging environments.
Equipment Rental
McKeil offers rental of tugs, barges, and marine equipment for short-term or long-term projects. Our fleet supports industries requiring specialized logistics, such as salvage operations or temporary dock construction. Backed by expert operators and engineers, we design solutions that maximize safety and efficiency, whether for Arctic exploration or Great Lakes cargo transport, ensuring clients meet deadlines and budget goals.
Towing & Ship Assists
Our tug and workboat fleet provides 24/7 towing and ship assist services for barges, cruise vessels, and oceangoing ships. Expertise in navigating narrow passages and remote docks ensures safe delivery in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Welland Canal. We specialize in emergency relief operations, offering rapid response for stranded vessels, with 12-hour advance notice preferred for scheduled berthing services in key ports.
Ice Breaking Services
McKeils ice-breaking capabilities ensure year-round access to critical waterways. Our experienced crews provide route assistance and harbor breakout services, maintaining navigable channels in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system and Arctic regions. This service supports industries reliant on winter shipping, such as resource extraction, by minimizing delays and ensuring safe passage for cargo and commercial vessels in extreme conditions.
Questions
What regions does McKeil Marine serve?
We operate across the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, East Coast, and Canadian Arctic, with offices in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
What types of cargo do you transport?
We handle dry bulk, liquid bulk, break bulk, and general cargo, including specialized shipments like steel slabs, aggregates, and project cargo.
Can McKeil assist with emergency marine services?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency towing, salvage, and ice-breaking services, particularly in the Welland Canal and St. Lawrence Seaway.
How does McKeil ensure environmental safety?
We prioritize sustainable practices, including route optimization to reduce emissions and partnerships to minimize environmental impact in all projects.
What industries does McKeil support?
We serve mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, infrastructure, and Arctic development sectors with tailored marine solutions.