Latitude Maritime at the CAPBLEU Forum | BLUESHIFT 2026: A Canada–Africa Collaboration for a Sustainable Maritime Future

Latitude Maritime, partner of CAPBLEU 2026: new prospects for Canada–Africa maritime cooperation

Montreal, October 11, 2026 — Latitude Maritime inc., represented by Richard Caron and François Laplante, took part as a partner in the international forum CAPBLEU | BLUESHIFT 2026, held from October 7 to 9 at the Centre Mont-Royal in Montreal.

This strategic event brought together government representatives, port authorities, business leaders, and investors to promote trade, technical cooperation, and sustainable partnerships between Canada and Africa.

Three days devoted to the maritime future

The Forum addressed key issues for the maritime industry: modernizing port infrastructure, Canada–Africa maritime connectivity, investment, the energy transition, port security, technological innovation, and skills development.

For Latitude Maritime, these three days were a prime opportunity to showcase its expertise, share knowledge, and explore new avenues of collaboration with stakeholders in the African maritime sector.

Promising business meetings with several African countries

Richard Caron and François Laplante held numerous business meetings with representatives of African port authorities and maritime organizations.

Among the most significant exchanges were those with representatives from:

• Senegal, notably the Autonomous Port of Dakar;

• Togo, with the Autonomous Port of Lomé;

• The Republic of Guinea, with the Autonomous Port of Conakry;

• Cameroon, notably the Autonomous Port of Douala and national port authorities.

These meetings allowed participants to explore partnership opportunities in modernizing port operations, maritime security, technical assistance, specialized training, and local capacity building.

Several exchanges also paved the way for future invitations and continued discussions with other African partners.

François Laplante leads a plenary on port decarbonization

On October 9, François Laplante moderated a plenary session on decarbonization and the port environment, bringing together in particular:

• Élie Marcel Ahodomon, technical adviser to the Director General of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, in Benin;

• Alain Bélanger, head of Beyond Sustainable Tech;

• Zack Habdi, head of Povectus.

This session focused on the major environmental challenges facing ports: electrifying equipment, improving energy efficiency, green shipping corridors, waste management, water quality, and protecting marine ecosystems.

The issues discussed also highlighted the importance of financing, measurable outcomes, skills development, and technology partnerships to ensure a successful energy transition.

Latitude Maritime: turning meetings into concrete partnerships

Latitude Maritime’s participation as a CAPBLEU 2026 partner reflects its commitment to actively contribute to international maritime development.

The company aims to put its expertise in port operations, maritime safety and security, regulatory compliance, training, and knowledge transfer at the service of the needs of African ports and organizations.

The many meetings held and invitations to continue discussions represent encouraging prospects for developing new Canada–Africa collaborations.

Latitude Maritime thanks the organizers, delegations, and all participants for these three rewarding days.

Latitude Maritime Inc. — Maritime expertise, skills development, and international partnerships.

Official program: https://www.forumcanadaafrique.com/programme

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