Our Story

Founded in 2009 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Arctic Thermal Oil Systems emerged from a critical need in Canada's oil sector: reliable thermal protection for infrastructure operating in extreme cold climates.

Our founders, experienced petroleum engineers and thermal management specialists, recognized that traditional heating solutions were failing to meet the unique challenges of Arctic and sub-Arctic operations. Equipment failures, freeze-related shutdowns, and excessive energy consumption were costing the industry millions annually.

Starting with a single pipeline heating project in northern Alberta, we developed innovative thermal control systems that dramatically improved operational reliability while reducing energy expenses. Word spread quickly across Canada's oil industry, and within five years, Arctic Thermal Oil Systems became the trusted partner for companies operating in the country's most challenging environments.

Today, with over 200 successful projects completed and a team of dedicated thermal management specialists, we continue to push the boundaries of cold-climate engineering, ensuring that Canada's oil infrastructure operates safely and efficiently year-round.

Modern industrial facility in winter landscape

Our Mission

To provide reliable, energy-efficient thermal protection solutions that enable oil infrastructure to operate safely and continuously in Canada's harshest climates. We are committed to preventing freeze-related disruptions, reducing operational expenses, and supporting the sustainability goals of our clients through innovative temperature control engineering.

Our Vision

To be recognized as North America's foremost authority in cold-climate thermal management for oil infrastructure. We envision a future where no oil operation is limited by winter weather, where thermal protection systems are intelligent, self-optimizing, and seamlessly integrated with broader facility management platforms.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide every project and client relationship

Technical Excellence

We commit to delivering thermal management systems built on rigorous engineering principles, continuous innovation, and proven cold-climate expertise.

Reliability First

Our clients depend on uninterrupted operations. Every system we design prioritizes dependability, redundancy, and fail-safe protection mechanisms.

Energy Efficiency

We design thermal protection systems that minimize energy consumption while maintaining optimal performance, supporting both operational economics and environmental responsibility.

Client Partnership

We view every client relationship as a long-term partnership, providing ongoing support, transparent communication, and customized solutions for unique operational challenges.

Safety Standards

All thermal systems meet or exceed Canadian safety regulations and industry standards, with comprehensive risk assessment and hazard mitigation built into every design.

Continuous Innovation

We invest in research and development to stay ahead of cold-climate challenges, incorporating emerging technologies and advanced materials into our solutions.

Temperature Control Engineering Expertise

Specialized knowledge developed through years of cold-climate project experience

Cold Climate Engineering

Deep understanding of how extreme temperatures affect oil viscosity, equipment performance, and infrastructure integrity in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.

Heat Transfer Analysis

Advanced computational modeling of thermal dynamics in pipelines, tanks, and transport systems to optimize heating element placement and energy distribution.

Insulation Technology

Expertise in selecting and applying advanced insulation materials that maintain effectiveness in moisture, wind, and temperature cycling conditions.

Control Systems Integration

Design and implementation of automated temperature monitoring and heating activation systems with remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance capabilities.

Energy Management

Strategic optimization of heating schedules, power distribution, and thermal efficiency to minimize operational expenses without compromising protection.

Regulatory Compliance

Thorough knowledge of Canadian safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry-specific requirements for oil infrastructure thermal systems.

Leadership Team

Experienced professionals guiding our thermal protection mission

Dr. James Morrison - CEO

Dr. James Morrison

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

PhD in Mechanical Engineering with over 20 years of experience in cold-climate thermal systems. Previously led Arctic pipeline projects for major Canadian energy companies.

Catherine Bergeron - CTO

Catherine Bergeron

Chief Technology Officer

Expert in industrial automation and thermal control systems. Holds multiple patents in energy-efficient heating technology for petroleum applications.

Marcus Thompson - Director of Operations

Marcus Thompson

Director of Operations

Professional Engineer specializing in heat tracing and insulation systems. Led thermal infrastructure projects across northern Canada and Alaska for 15 years.

Sarah Whitmore - Technical Director

Sarah Whitmore

Technical Director

Oversees project delivery, client relationships, and technical support operations. Background in petroleum engineering and facilities management.

Certifications & Partnerships

Recognized expertise and industry affiliations

Professional Affiliations

  • Engineers Canada Member
  • Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME)
  • Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC)
  • International District Energy Association (IDEA)

Certifications & Standards

  • ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
  • CSA Certified Equipment & Systems
  • TSSA Pressure Equipment Registration
  • CWB Certified Welding for Critical Applications

Strategic Partners

  • Leading Heat Tracing Equipment Manufacturers
  • Advanced Insulation Material Suppliers
  • Industrial Control Systems Integrators
  • Cold-Climate Research Institutions

Canadian Climate Adaptation Experience

Canada presents some of the world's most challenging conditions for oil infrastructure thermal management. Our team has successfully delivered projects across diverse climate zones:

  • Arctic Regions: Northern territories with temperatures below -40°C, 24-hour darkness in winter, and extreme wind chill factors
  • Prairie Provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba with rapid temperature fluctuations and severe winter storms
  • Northern Quebec & Labrador: Coastal and inland facilities facing ice accumulation, high humidity, and prolonged freeze periods
  • British Columbia Mountains: High-elevation sites with deep snow, avalanche zones, and challenging accessibility
  • Atlantic Offshore: Marine environments combining freezing spray, corrosive salt conditions, and constant temperature cycling

This breadth of experience allows us to design thermal protection systems specifically tailored to the unique challenges of any Canadian location, ensuring reliable operation regardless of regional climate characteristics.

Map showing Canadian climate regions with oil infrastructure

Partner with Canada's Thermal Protection Specialists

Discover how our cold-climate engineering expertise can protect your oil infrastructure and improve operational reliability.