Meet Julien Vial, Senior Marine Surveyor, ABL Canada
The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at ABL . What keeps you on your toes?
“I’m a qualified sailor with years of experience under my belt, and I’m looking to put my skills to good use. I’m pleased to offer my expertise to ABL’s customers and contribute to the industry as a whole.
I’m on the case of investigating maritime accidents from the Great Lakes region to the St. Lawrence estuary and offering my technical assistance to local shipowners.
It’s useful and sometimes essential to be a native French speaker, especially in the province of Quebec, where French is the only official language.”
What drew you to the maritime world and what keeps you passionate about it?
First, travelling and discovering new countries and cultures, then the human relationships. I am passionate about the human dimension in the maritime industry, being a member of a ship’s crew means something for me, and I am always happy to meet my fellow sailors on board the ships on which I work. We are rebuilding this team spirit on board ABL to serve the industry.
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
My current projects include conducting audits for shipyards, which require highly specialised expertise.
I am also working on keeping strong relationships with clients of regional insurers and maritime law attorneys, which I would not have had the opportunity to establish while serving on board ships.
Looking ahead, what trends or opportunities do you see shaping the marine technology industries in Canada?
Canada will probably be the most exciting place in North America for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions in the coming years.
Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team in Montréal? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?
Our team is small but perfectly formed, based in Montreal but working closely with colleagues in Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver and New York.
During a recent team training session in Panama, I met colleagues from Mexico, Brazil, Panama and the USA. Despite our different origins, we find ourselves united by a common maritime language and a strong maritime culture.
If you could change one thing about the maritime industry, what would it be and why?
I would change the way we think about and treat the people who help make the global maritime industry work: the sailors on board the ships, who are often not seen but still play a vital role in society.
Tell us why people should join our ABL Group stand at Maritech 2025?
The event will bring together a variety of professionals from different backgrounds, all working towards the shared goal of enhancing maritime safety at all levels. We would be delighted to welcome you to our event – Plus, we’ll have delicious cookies 😅
More about Julien Vial
Position: Senior Marine Surveyor
Office: Montreal
Hobbies: Squash / Golf / Family activities
Favourite book: Nikos KAVADIAS ‘ Le Quart’ (‘On Watch’)
Don’t miss Julien and the rest of our Canada and Americas team at this year’s Mari-Tech from the 22nd to 24th of April in Montreal. Our experts from both marine and engineering arms – ABL and Longitude – will be available at the stand to discuss how we can support you in navigating the maritime environment, mitigating risks, and delivering your projects safely and sustainably