Tribute to a leader committed to the green maritime transition
Anchors aweighAfter more than fifteen years of passionate dedication at Transport Desgagnés, Daniel Côté, Senior Environmental Advisor, is embarking on a well-deserved retirement. This is a look back at the journey of a pioneer who helped transform the maritime industry by combining professionalism, environmental vision, and a sense of community.
Commitment at all times
From the start of his career at Transport Desgagnés in 2009, Daniel Côté was actively involved in the company’s environmental initiatives. “My involvement with Green Marine certainly marked my career,” he shared without hesitation. Achieving the highest levels of the environmental certification program is a true source of pride.
“Reaching a score of 5 out of 5 was a goal for me—it’s a wonderful achievement,” he said with a smile. “It was important because it’s more than just a number; it reflects the evolution of the company’s internal culture and Desgagnés’ image as a true leader within the industry.”
Since joining in 2009, Daniel has initiated numerous projects, including implementing onboard recycling, which led to the very first “Ici on Recycle” certification for a vessel. Today, other vessels in the Desgagnés fleet are also certified, and the crew has taken ownership of these achievements thanks to the pragmatic and collaborative approach he established. “We shouldn’t impose or force; we need to mobilize,” he explained. “Start small, with a pilot project, and build on that success.”
His ability to promote innovative ideas is largely due to the support he received from senior management, particularly from President and CEO, Louis-Marie Beaulieu. Daniel cites the transition to liquefied natural gas-powered vessels as an example, in which he collaborated—particularly to demonstrate the economic viability of this type of propulsion. “Sometimes, these investments only yield results in the long term; you need to look over decades,” he explained. “Even when the context shifts, it’s essential to adapt, demonstrate vision, and stay focused on innovation. That’s how Louis-Marie is—he’s willing to take risks, and once he commits, he doesn’t change course.”
Choosing the environment, a social vocation
Trained as an engineer, Daniel could have pursued many different paths. However, it was the social aspect of environmental work that irresistibly drew him in. “I needed to feel that I was helping, that I was contributing to society. Even on a small scale, that has always been my driving force,” he said. Despite offers from other sectors, he chose the environment—even if it meant compromising on salary—because he found deep meaning in it.
The maritime sector provided him with a playing field that matched his ambitions:
The environment was strategic, and the projects were exciting. I was fortunate to be involved in everything, from implementing systems to participating in Green Marine. This program truly represents an industry-wide approach: working together to improve the environment.
One project he was particularly passionate about was marine mammal observation. The project originated from a presentation by the Marine Mammal Observation Network (MMON) and the Shipping Federation of Canada at GreenTech, Green Marine’s annual conference, in 2014. It introduced the navigation guide A Mariner’s Guide to Whales in the Northwest Atlantic and the Eastern Arctic. “I had an epiphany and thought, we can do something on our vessels—this is for us!” Staying true to his approach, he began with a trial on one vessel, and the initiative quickly gained momentum within the Desgagnés fleet and also rallied numerous industry players, including Algoma, Fednav, the Société des traversiers du Québec, Oceanex, CSL, and Marine Atlantic. Daniel sees this as a major achievement: “It was important for me to demonstrate leadership in the industry, to be present, and to inspire others to follow.”
Green Marine: driving change and collaboration
Daniel has been a privileged witness to the rise of Green Marine, having contributed to it from the moment he joined Desgagnés in 2009. “I felt a real shift when Green Marine began to gain traction. The impact on the industry has been significant, especially as the program expanded into the United States. Shipowners recognized the benefits of collective engagement.” He particularly appreciates that the program addresses a variety of issues, avoiding a narrow focus on decarbonization.
“Daniel is a true champion of Green Marine,” said David Bolduc, President and CEO of Green Marine International. “His exemplary involvement and motivation have shaped the program’s evolution since 2010. His technical contributions have been invaluable in advancing our program as well as the environmental ambitions of the entire maritime industry.”
As he approaches retirement, Daniel hopes that Green Marine will continue to thrive and expand its global presence. He also believes that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly urgent and should continue to be integrated into the Green Marine program, involving a broader range of stakeholders. “A lot is being asked of shipowners,” he said. “Shippers need to be engaged as well, because shipping companies can’t bear the costs of innovation and decarbonization alone. I could envision a new category to certify shippers, complete with their own indicators and criteria.”
The art of constructive debate
What impressed him most over the years is the unique spirit of collaboration that exists in the maritime industry: “I’ve worked in several sectors, but this is the only industry where I’ve seen such a high level of information sharing among competitors. It’s built on joint effort—a true breeding ground for collective action.”
As chair of the St. Lawrence Advisory Committee, Daniel facilitated discussions and encouraged participation from all sides.
“What I appreciated was seeking out each person’s opinion, involving environmental groups, and creating a space where ideas could clash respectfully. I enjoy debating, leading, and sparking dialogue. That’s how we help the industry grow.”
Even when debates got heated, Daniel made sure that respect remained the guiding principle. “We can disagree, but we must never disrespect one another. The clash of ideas is what drives progress, as long as it’s done properly.”
His humanity is one of the qualities David Bolduc said will be missed in Green Marine meetings: “Beyond his skills, it was his warm and cheerful personality that brought our meetings and conferences to life. It will continue to inspire our community.”
This is what earned Daniel the respect of his industry peers across the vast St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region, particularly through his work with the Maritime Environmental Committee of the Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC), where he served for more than 15 years, including 12 as chair.
The CMC and its members benefited from Daniel’s leadership and collegiality, which played a key role in shaping our environmental policies and initiatives.
From working groups to concrete projects
Daniel’s involvement in countless working groups makes it impossible to single out just one. However, he recalls the challenge of managing oily waters: “We weren’t quite sure where we were headed; we had to work hard to build a foundation and reach a consensus. It was demanding, but we made progress.”
For him, the essence of Green Marine’s program lies in setting ambitious yet achievable goals and staying focused on continuous improvement: “There always needs to be a challenge, but it must be realistic.”
Looking back on the program’s evolution, Daniel is pleased to see its growing membership and increasingly diverse performance indicators.
“Today, more and more people are getting involved—it’s no longer just the same individuals as at the beginning. That proves the program is working, and that people want to be a part of it.”
He also pointed out the increasing complexity of management but praised the Green Marine team’s ability to maintain cohesion and effectiveness through it all.