Canada’s Novaporte and the International Longshoremen’s Association Forge Strategic Partnership to Build Cape Breton’s Offshore Wind Workforce; Partnership Positions Cape Breton’s Workforce for Canada’s Emerging Offshore Wind Industry

SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA(July 14, 2026) Sydney Harbour Investment Partners

(SHIP) is pleased to announce the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

with the International Longshoremen’s  Association (ILA), establishing the framework for a

long-term collaborative relationship supporting the future development and operation of the

Novaporte Offshore Wind Logistics Terminal at Point Edward Marine in Sydney Harbour.

Executed by SHIP CEO Albert Barbusci and International President Harold J. Daggett,

the Memorandum of Understanding reflects a shared commitment to workforce

development, operational excellence and long-term employment opportunities as Cape

Breton prepares for Canada’s emerging offshore wind and marine logistics economy.

The announcement follows Novaporte Wind Canada LP’s recent prequalification under

the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator’s inaugural Offshore Wind Call forBids,

another important milestone in building Cape Breton’s offshore wind ecosystem.

 

Albert Barbusci, CEO, Sydney Harbour Investment Partners

“Great ports don’t simply move cargo. They create ecosystems. Today’s agreement is

another important step toward building the offshore wind ecosystem that Cape Breton

will need to compete on the world stage. The ILA has helped build Canada’s marine

economy for generations, and we are proud to begin building that relationship here in

Cape Breton. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that the

benefits of this new industry are created here at home through local jobs, local skills and

long-term opportunities for future generations.”

 

Harold J. Daggett

International President, International Longshoremen’s Association

“The International Longshoremen’s Association has always believed that the strongest

marine industries are built through collaboration, planning and investment in people. The

ILA congratulates SHIP and Membertou on achieving their recent offshore wind

prequalification. It represents an important milestone for Cape Breton and demonstrates

the type of long-term vision needed to support Canada’s emerging offshore wind

industry. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the ILA’s commitment to working

alongside SHIP, Blue Water Shipping, educational institutions such as the Nova Scotia

Community College, Indigenous partners and the broader marine industry to help

prepare the highly skilled workforce that will be required in the years ahead. The ILA

believes Cape Breton has an opportunity to become an important center for offshore

wind logistics, and the ILA looks forward to helping build that future together.”

 

Chief Terry Paul

Membertou First Nation

“Building a new industry is not only about today’s opportunities. It is about preparing

future generations to participate in that industry. That means bringing together

Indigenous communities, organized labor, education and industry so our young people

can see a future for themselves here at home. Preparing future generations begins by

preparing today’s workforce. We are proud to stand alongside the ILA and our partners

as we continue building that future together.”

 

Closing

Together, SHIP, Membertou, the International Longshoremen’s Association, Blue Water

Shipping and the Nova Scotia Community College are helping build the workforce,

partnerships and infrastructure needed to position Cape Breton as a leading hub for

Canada’s emerging offshore wind industry.

 

For more information or to set up a media interview, please contact:
Justin Forian, Novaporte Wind Canada
[email protected]
Kelsea MacNeil, Membertou Development