CHARBONE Corporation has expanded its dedicated helium delivery fleet from one trailer to five, positioning the company to capitalize on a worsening global helium shortage that has tightened supply and driven up prices across North America.
The expansion comes as geopolitical disruptions continue to strain the global helium market. Damage to Qatar's Ras Laffan complex—historically responsible for roughly one-third of the world's helium supply—combined with shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, has reduced exports and increased price volatility, creating supply challenges for industries including semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare and advanced technology.
The company said it had anticipated tightening market conditions by building out its helium business before recent disruptions emerged. CHARBONE launched its helium division in 2025 and has since secured long-term customer commitments extending through 2028, supported by its vertically integrated production, storage and distribution network.
"We were prepared to scale helium production well before recent supply disruptions materialized. With trailers on order and agreements in place, we've grown our dedicated helium fleet from one unit to five and remain positioned to add five more within months to meet this surge in demand," said Patrick Cuddihy, Senior Vice-President of CHARBONE.
CHARBONE said the fleet expansion reflects growing demand across underserved North American markets and supports its strategy of building recurring revenue across multiple industrial gases.
Key developments include: Expansion of the dedicated helium trailer fleet from one unit in the fourth quarter of 2025 to five units today, with capacity to add five more within months;
Addition of 22 new helium customers across Quebec, including laboratories, advanced manufacturers and technical service providers;
Continued diversification of recurring revenue through ultra-high-purity hydrogen, helium and oxygen sales.
The company said helium shortages have also created an opportunity to win market share from larger industrial gas suppliers. Because customers are often permitted to source gas from secondary suppliers when primary contracts cannot be fulfilled, CHARBONE has added new accounts as competitors face supply constraints.
Management believes those customer relationships could eventually support cross-selling opportunities for its hydrogen and oxygen businesses.
Despite ongoing challenges affecting helium production in Qatar and continued shipping constraints, CHARBONE said it remains in continuous commercial production at its flagship hydrogen facility in Sorel-Tracy. Phase 1B of the plant's expansion is currently underway as the company works to increase production capacity across its decentralized North American network.
