Summary

Since the fall of 2023, Solution ISPS Inc. has invested both human and financial resources to establish itself initially in Cameroon. A strategic alliance with the Kribi-based firm Éclipse Marsec Cameroun, specializing in maritime security with a well-established clientele in Cameroon's ports, has allowed us to promote our services from our office and develop a marketing strategy for our expertise.

Market analysis, two visits by the Quebec delegation to Cameroon's main cities and ports, the signing of protocols with government authorities and a tour of Quebec by the Cameroonian delegation, the completion of a functional analysis for the creation of an International Maritime Training and Certification Center, and the development of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) are now among our highlights for 2024.

Functional analysis, a new approach

In order to export our expertise to international markets, the creation of a group of multidisciplinary specialists from Quebec, rich in proven skills in the field of multimodal maritime transport logistics, has enabled us to showcase an innovative approach with in-depth functional analysis.

This unique approach in the maritime sector allows for an in-depth examination of the business processes of the port transport chain in order to optimize its performance. Our team of experts covers the following front-line areas: port operations and the multimodal transport chain, security (maritime navigation) and maritime safety (piracy), cybersecurity, corporate security, occupational health and safety, and training programs.

International Training and Certification Center

This is why Solution ISPS Inc. conducted a functional analysis in September 2024 as part of the project to build an international training and certification center. This campus, with a residence hall capable of certifying several hundred students annually, will be built in Edéa on a 5-hectare site donated by government authorities. International Training and Certification Center

On July 3, 2024, during the highly publicized hearing with the Minister of Transport, the latter authorized Solution ISPS Inc. to conduct a feasibility study for the project to build a training center and Solution ISPS Inc. to conduct a feasibility study for the project to build an international training and certification center, and gave the National Port Authority the approval to sign a collaboration agreement with Solution ISPS Inc. to establish the technical and financial terms of a public-private partnership (PPP).

Team from Quebec and the Canadian High Commission at the hearing with the
Minister of Transport and the National Port Authority on July 3, 2024

Compliance with IMO standards

When it comes to maritime compliance with international standards, Cameroon is facing two critical situations related to the recognition of compliance by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

On the one hand, Cameroon is on the IMO blacklist because it does not meet the standards of the International ISPS Code regarding prevention of acts and threats of piracy. On the other hand, the specialized training provided to seafarers in Cameroon does not meet IMO standards regarding instructor training, course content, and examinations for the academic component, and the quality of specialized equipment for the practical component.

Solution ISPS Inc. and its team of specialists have therefore proposed two concrete approaches to decisively manage and correct the following two situations:

    Remove Cameroon from the blacklist by reviewing national regulations, formulating relevant legal provisions for the implementation of a national maritime policy, and training maritime security inspectors;
    Reorganize training program content and raise qualification standards for Cameroonian instructors so that, in the short term, flight crews operating in Cameroon can be certified without having to go through certification centers located outside the country.

Cameroon National Port Directorate Plan

ISPS Solution Inc. participated in an international call for proposals to upgrade Cameroon's National Port Master Plan and was selected as one of three finalists to participate in the call for tenders, which will take place in spring 2025. The anticipated mandate aims to define a sustainable and coherent economic development model for Cameroon's maritime coastline, with projections through 2040.

Based on our expertise, certain success factors are essential in the national port development of a country with a maritime coastline. On the one hand, obtaining IMO recognition for compliance with appropriate national regulations is essential for the safety of the country's maritime transport network.

Furthermore, it is essential to have qualified personnel to support any development strategy. For example, for the system to work, it requires accredited security inspectors to enforce standards, certified crew members and officers, and operators who meet international standards for maritime security in ports. In short, workforce qualification must be considered an investment, not an expense.

Based on the concrete projects mentioned above and our medium- and long-term vision, we believe that Solution ISPS Inc. is well positioned to obtain the required mandate.

From left to right
Mr. Jean-Jacques Batjom, Éclipse Marsec Cameroon, Dr. Louis Eboupeke, Director General of the National Port Authority, Mr. Gino Rubinato, Solution ISPS Inc., Mr. Éric Dibeu, High Commission Delegate, Ms. Lorraine Anderson, High Commissioner of Canada in Yaoundé, NGALLE BIBEHE Jean Ernest Massena, Minister of Transport of Cameroon, Mr. Daniel Leclerc, President of Solution ISPS Inc., Mr. Zakariaou Njoya, Minister Delegate for Transport, Mr. MVEIMANI Sombo Amba, Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport.