Despite being the backbone of global trade, the maritime industry still relies on email for communication. But this system is outdated and inefficient. Teams handle thousands of emails daily, often missing critical information. This slows operations and creates costly delays.
London-based startup Sedna is tackling this head-on. The company just raised $10 million in debt funding from CIBC Innovation Banking to improve its AI-powered maritime communication platform. With this funding, Sedna aims to boost its AI features, add more integrations, and expand globally.
Why Email Is a Weak Link in Maritime Workflows
Sedna was founded in 2017 by Bill Dobie, a veteran in maritime software. He saw that email was more of a burden than a solution. With players spread across time zones and using different tools, managing communications became overwhelming.
Email isn’t going away. But Sedna believes there’s a smarter way to manage it. Its platform uses artificial intelligence to scan emails, extract useful data, and connect it to systems like SAP or Veson Nautical. This transforms email from noise into insights.
How Sedna’s AI Helps Teams Work Smarter
Traditional email threads are full of unstructured data. Sedna’s AI filters that mess and pulls out key details—like ship names or cargo data. It then links this information directly to operational tools. That means faster decisions and less manual work.
Instead of reading through emails all day, staff can now focus on real tasks. Sedna says its platform saves each team member about 10 hours a week. This leads to an 80% jump in productivity and a 200% increase in team capacity.
Expanding Its Footprint Through Innovation
Sedna now has the largest customer base for maritime communication. Its clients include brokers, charterers, vessel operators, port agents, and IT leaders. In 2024, it acquired Nordic IT, a Danish email management firm, strengthening its position in the sector.
This move helped Sedna offer even more robust solutions. By combining AI with smart integrations, the company is creating a single workspace where shipping teams can operate faster and more effectively.
Why Investors Are Betting on Sedna
CIBC Innovation Banking, which manages $11 billion in investments, saw Sedna’s potential. “The maritime and supply chain industry is vital to global trade,” said Sean Duffy, Managing Director at CIBC UK & Europe. “Sedna ensures that the right information reaches the right people—fast.”
AIThe funding gives Sedna the resources to upgrade its AI, roll out more features, and form new partnerships. For CIBC, Sedna was a perfect fit—a fast-growing company in a critical industry.
What the Future Holds for Maritime Tech
With this funding secured, Sedna is moving quickly. It plans to refine its AI even further, expand system integrations, and scale its impact in global trade. The goal is simple: make maritime communication smarter, faster, and more actionable.
Sedna’s CFO, Robert Scott, said the company found a strong partner in CIBC. “Their flexibility and industry expertise made them the right choice,” he noted. “This support will help us invest in cutting-edge tech and expand our footprint.”
In an industry where speed and clarity are everything, Sedna is setting a new standard. As global trade grows more complex, the need for smart communication tools is only getting stronger—and Sedna is ready to lead the charge.
