Canada’s North Atlantic Platform for Energy, Trade, Defence and Digital Infrastructure
For more than twelve years, Sydney Harbour Investment Partners has brought together the relationships, expertise, and shared ambition behind Novaporte. Rooted in Cape Breton, that work has laid the foundation for a new chapter in Canada’s infrastructure, energy, trade, defence, and digital economy.
Today, our partnerships are helping turn preparation into possibility. Building on Cape Breton's industrial heritage, Novaporte is advancing a connected ecosystem designed to attract investment, serve global markets, and create generational opportunities. Building a future we can all shape together.
Novaporte began with a vision for a next-generation container gateway connecting Cape Breton to global trade. More than twelve years of development, partnership, and preparation created the foundation for an opportunity that would grow far beyond its original scope.
Novaporte brings together marine infrastructure, offshore wind, manufacturing, energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure within a single development platform. Each pillar strengthens the others, creating an ecosystem designed for long-term industrial growth.
Coast Guard, defence, strategic marine logistics and complementary commercial activity.
Marshalling, staging, assembly, operations and maintenance, manufacturing and global offshore-wind supply-chain localization.
Energy and commodity handling serving Canadian and international markets.
Restoring strategic rail connectivity between Cape Breton and the North American transportation network.
Hyperscale compute, clean-energy infrastructure, green molecule production and associated industrial development.
Onshore and offshore generation supporting the Novaporte ecosystem, future industrial users and Canada’s growing demand for clean energy.
Connecting new generation, industrial demand, and regional energy markets.
Phase One activates the core infrastructure; expansion builds into offshore wind, manufacturing, energy, AI compute, green molecules, and transmission.
Novaporte brings together marine infrastructure, offshore wind, manufacturing, energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure within a single development platform. Each pillar strengthens the others, creating an ecosystem designed for long-term industrial growth.
Coast Guard, defence, strategic marine logistics and complementary commercial activity.
Marshalling, staging, assembly, operations and maintenance, manufacturing and global offshore-wind supply-chain localization.
Energy and commodity handling serving Canadian and international markets.
Restoring strategic rail connectivity between Cape Breton and the North American transportation network.
Hyperscale compute, clean-energy infrastructure, green molecule production and associated industrial development.
Onshore and offshore generation supporting the Novaporte ecosystem, future industrial users and Canada’s growing demand for clean energy.
Connecting new generation, industrial demand, and regional energy markets.
Phase One activates the core infrastructure; expansion builds into offshore wind, manufacturing, energy, AI compute, green molecules, and transmission.
The measure of Novaporte’s success will be more than tons moved, vessels berthed, or megawatts produced. It will be the opportunities the next generation inherits.
Leadership assembled across infrastructure, energy, Indigenous partnership, and finance.
Platform Strategy & Development
Indigenous Partnership & Governance – Membertou
Energy & Digital
Owner’s Engineering & Delivery – GM2
Business Development & Partnerships – Membertou
Economic & Community Development – Membertou
Wind Development
Project Management
Engineering & Project Delivery – GM2
Liquid & Dry Bulk Development
Government Relations
Communications & Stakeholder Engagement – Membertou
Finance & Indigenous Enterprise – Membertou
Strategic Planning
Wind Operations – Blue Water Shipping
Finance & Controls
Bringing together the expertise, experience, and shared interests to turn Novaporte’s vision into reality.
Sharing project developments, partnerships, and community perspectives as Novaporte advances.
Now we’re building it.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2026
Partnership Positions Cape Breton's Workforce for Canada's Emerging Offshore Wind Industry
SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA — 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 for Bids, another important milestone in building Cape Breton's offshore wind ecosystem.
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."
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 centre for offshore wind logistics, and the ILA looks forward to helping build that future together."
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 labour, 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."
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
jforian@novaporte.ca
Kelsea MacNeil, Membertou Development Corporation
kelseamacneil@membertou.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 23, 2023
SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA - Novaporte, a transportation, logistics and green energy development in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, announced today a concession agreement with Blue Water Shipping, a global provider of all logistics services in modern supply chain management.
Both parties will work together, along with equity partner Membertou First Nation, to develop a major marshalling hub in Sydney, Nova Scotia for offshore wind energy servicing the Northeast Atlantic U.S. and Eastern Canada. This agreement between Blue Water Shipping and Novaporte establishes them as the exclusive marshalling port operator at Novaporte, with signatories committed to jointly carrying out offshore wind development and operational planning of offshore wind port design including marshalling, pre-assembly, logistics and safety.
“We wanted to partner with Blue Water Shipping because they are one of the largest port operators in the offshore wind energy space,” said Novaporte CEO, Albert Barbusci. “We aspire to be like the Danish city of Esbjerg, where offshore wind started, and is a true leader in this space globally. If you are going to partner and learn, you should do it with the best! We look forward to working closely with Blue Water Shipping in the months and years to come on building out their proven model here on the East Coast, which will bring significant employment and economic development to the region.”
Blue Water Shipping is a global leader in logistics, with significant expertise in stevedoring and port operations in offshore wind developments. Blue Water, founded and headquartered in Denmark, the pioneer of offshore wind with more than 25 years of experience, has more than 70 offices worldwide. Its significant onshore and offshore wind projects include the wind farm Fosen Vind, which, as of 2021, was the largest onshore wind turbine project in Europe, with a total of 278 wind turbines.
“At Blue Water Shipping, we believe in strong and long-lasting relationships, and that’s exactly what we’re announcing today with Novaporte”, says Thomas Bek, COO Energy, Ports & Projects, Blue Water Shipping. “Together, we’re launching the first major offshore wind port development in Canada, and we’re happy to do it with a local and highly dedicated team. Novaporte and Blue Water Shipping will offer strong and flexible solutions, together, to meet the increasing demands of the industry in the Northeast Atlantic U.S. market and we will be ready to support Nova Scotia’s offshore wind sector in the years ahead.”
When completed, the Novaporte multi-use port facility plans to accommodate offshore wind marshalling, containers, bulk, Roll-on/roll-off cargo, logistics, hydrogen, and marine services. As the offshore wind sector grows globally, there is a significant demand for sufficient marshalling facilities to support offshore developments on the northeast coast of the U.S. in the near term.
Additionally, the Province of Nova Scotia has recently announced an ambitious offshore wind and hydrogen strategy, with the initial target to build and produce 5 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030.
Case studies have shown that the first critical building block for successful offshore wind projects is having access to adequate marshalling land and infrastructure. Novaporte is well-positioned to accommodate such facilities— providing a 16.5-metre harbour depth, no air obstructions, significant laydown area, flat geography, and strategic location required. In addition to marshalling, the site is suitable to accommodate offshore operations and maintenance facilities quayside, as well as manufacturing and assembly facilities less than one kilometer away from the waterside terminal.
“As one of Canada’s most economically active First Nation communities, Membertou is a proud equity partner in the Novaporte project and believes in the project’s ability to bring long-term economic prosperity to Cape Breton,” says Terry Paul, Chief and CEO of Membertou First Nation. “The Mi’kmaq have been part of the Novaporte project since day one and are committed to working to realize the opportunities that exist for the development of a multi-use port facility. This project is a true example of economic reconciliation, and together we continue to work to make it a reality.”
“Today’s announcement is the latest step in the multi-phased development of the port,” said Barbusci. “We will now work towards completing all the pre-development requirements, with the goal of putting shovels in the ground this year. Novaporte intends to continue our dialogue with the community as the project develops, with the target completion date of phase 1 for 2026.”
Novaporte
Kathleen Yurchesyn, VP of Operations and Corporate Development
kyurchesyn@novaporte.ca | 902-578-4029
Blue Water Shipping
Jan Hjortlund Hansen, Head of Communications
jhha@bws.dk | +45 2999 9637
Membertou First Nation
Kelsea MacNeil, Director, Public Relations & Business Development
kelseamacneil@membertou.ca | 902.-578-4858
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
An Indigenous-led Partnership Between Sydney Harbour Investment Partners (SHIP) and Membertou First Nation
Sydney, Nova Scotia — Novaporte Wind Canada LP, an Indigenous-led offshore wind development platform established by Sydney Harbour Investment Partners (SHIP) and Membertou First Nation and supported by experienced strategic, financial and technical partners, is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved prequalified status under the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator's (CNSOER) Offshore Wind Call for Bids NS25-1R.
Novaporte Wind Canada LP was established by SHIP and Membertou First Nation to advance long-term Indigenous participation in Nova Scotia's emerging offshore wind industry through shared ownership, strategic partnerships and responsible clean energy development. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building one of Canada's pioneering Indigenous-led offshore wind platforms, founded on collaboration, long-term investment and meaningful Indigenous participation.
Prequalification confirms that Novaporte Wind Canada LP has met the requirements necessary to participate in Nova Scotia's inaugural offshore wind seabed licensing process.
"This is an important milestone—not only for our partnership, but for the future of offshore wind development in Nova Scotia," said Albert Barbusci, Chief Executive Officer of Novaporte Wind Canada LP.
"From the beginning, our vision has been to build an Indigenous-led offshore wind platform founded on genuine partnership, long-term investment and shared opportunity. Today's prequalification reflects years of preparation and collaboration and positions Novaporte Wind Canada LP to participate in Nova Scotia's emerging offshore wind industry. We look forward to working alongside governments, industry and our strategic partners as this exciting new chapter unfolds."
Chief Terry Paul, Chief and CEO of Membertou First Nation, added:
"This milestone reflects years of collaboration built on mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to future generations. We believe Indigenous communities should participate not only through consultation, but through meaningful ownership and long-term partnership. The strongest partnerships are those that create lasting opportunity not only for our own communities, but for future generations across Nova Scotia. We look forward to continuing this journey together."
Prequalification does not constitute the award of an offshore wind licence. It represents an important step in the CNSOER process and enables Novaporte Wind Canada LP to participate in the Province's upcoming offshore wind seabed licensing process.
July 2, 2026
Novaporte Wind Canada LP is an Indigenous-led offshore wind development platform established by Sydney Harbour Investment Partners (SHIP) and Membertou First Nation to advance long-term Indigenous participation in Nova Scotia's offshore wind industry through strategic infrastructure development, responsible clean energy investment and enduring partnerships.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canada’s Strategic North Atlantic Infrastructure Platform is advancing dual-purpose marine assets to support defence, Wind West and global trade
SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA — September 14, 2026 — Novaporte announced today that its US$1 billion+ Phase One infrastructure program has been included in the investment deal book prepared for the inaugural Canada Investment Summit, taking place September 14–15 in Toronto.
Hosted by the Government of Canada in partnership with CPP Investments and PSP Investments, the Summit will bring together leading global institutional investors, Canadian business leaders and public-sector representatives to accelerate investment in productive Canadian assets.
Novaporte is advancing a US$1 billion+ dual-purpose infrastructure program in Sydney Harbour designed to serve Canada’s defence, Wind West and global trade priorities.
Phase One brings together defence and commercial marine infrastructure, liquid and dry bulk facilities, an offshore wind manufacturing port and enabling rail rehabilitation—creating multiple paths to long-term infrastructure investment and revenue.
“Novaporte represents the convergence of strategic geography, true Indigenous partnership and nation-building infrastructure,” said Albert Barbusci, CEO of Novaporte. “Our Phase One program is designed to strengthen Canada’s defence readiness, support a domestic offshore wind supply chain and provide Canadian industry with new access to international markets.”
Novaporte is being advanced alongside Membertou First Nation through a relationship that began with a handshake between Chief Terry Paul and Albert Barbusci more than 12 years ago. The partnership places Indigenous participation, ownership opportunities and generational economic benefits at the foundation of the development.
“Our relationship with Albert began with a handshake and has always been based on partnership rather than consultation,” said Chief Terry Paul, Chief & CEO in Membertou. “Novaporte represents the kind of development Canada needs—one where Indigenous communities help shape the opportunity and participate meaningfully in the value created. We welcome the opportunity to be included in the Summit to advance the Novaporte project for Cape Breton and Canada.”
Novaporte is advancing the marine, manufacturing and logistics infrastructure required to support Wind West, the C$44-billion offshore wind initiative identified in Canada’s Investment Summit prospectus.
The proposed Sydney Harbour Manufacturing Port is being designed to provide the heavy-lift infrastructure, industrial land, component manufacturing, assembly, marshalling and supply-chain capacity required to support offshore wind development at scale.
Through a hub-and-spoke model, the Manufacturing Port would complement other regional ports by supporting staging, service, operations and maintenance activity across Nova Scotia.
Novaporte Wind Canada LP, developed in partnership with Membertou First Nation, has also been pre-qualified by the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator to participate in Nova Scotia’s forthcoming offshore wind seabed licensing process.
Sydney Harbour combines deep water, unobstructed marine access, sheltered and ice-free operating conditions and strategic positioning on major North Atlantic shipping routes.
Positioned as a first Canadian port of call for vessels crossing the North Atlantic, Sydney provides a natural gateway connecting Canadian industry with European markets, Arctic waters and northern communities.
Rehabilitation of the rail corridor serving Sydney would extend that gateway inland, providing Canadian resources, products and manufactured goods with direct access to tidewater and global markets.
Novaporte’s participation in the Northern Lights Ports Alliance further connects Sydney with complementary North Atlantic and Arctic gateways.
By bringing together defence readiness, offshore wind manufacturing, rail-enabled tidewater access and international trade within one scalable platform, Novaporte is positioned to help build the infrastructure Canada needs for its next generation of growth.
Novaporte is an Indigenous-partnered North Atlantic infrastructure development platform being advanced in Sydney Harbour, Nova Scotia. Developed alongside Membertou First Nation, Novaporte integrates planned deep-water marine infrastructure, industrial development, rail access and strategic connections to North Atlantic, European and Arctic markets.
This release contains forward-looking information regarding proposed infrastructure and development opportunities. These plans remain subject to regulatory approvals, commercial agreements, financing, engineering and market conditions. Inclusion in the Canada Investment Summit investment deal book does not constitute a government endorsement or financing commitment. This release is for informational purposes and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase securities.
For more information or to set up a media interview, please contact:
Justin Forian, Novaporte
jforian@novaporte.ca
Kelsea MacNeil, Membertou Development Corporation
kelseamacneil@membertou.ca
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