SeafarerAI, co-founded by CEO Ian Wilms and a new member of TechImpact, is transforming the maritime industry with AI-powered solutions that enhance port operations and environmental monitoring. Backed by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and DIGITAL Supercluster, these projects aim to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by ports and coastal communities today. As SeafarerAI continues to expand into new areas of ocean innovation, they are currently fundraising to accelerate the development of their technology and scale their impact globally.
In collaboration with partners like Teledyne Geospatial, DeepSense, UNB, and Port Saint John, SeafarerAI is leading an ambitious research project to improve the dredging process using AI. Dredging, essential for maintaining port waterways, can be time-consuming and disruptive to marine ecosystems. However, with the use of AI-enhanced cloud services, SeafarerAI’s PORT WATCH AI Platform as a Service (PaaS) allows port operators to make real-time, data-driven decisions, resulting in a smoother, more efficient dredging process.
Beyond the immediate benefits of improving dredging operations, this AI-powered tool provides insights into future sedimentation, helping ports predict and prepare for upcoming dredging needs. The project is also a game-changer for sustainability, minimizing the environmental impact typically associated with these operations. As global shipping increases, this innovative approach could serve as a model for ports worldwide.
At the Port of Belledune, SeafarerAI is pushing the boundaries of environmental and security monitoring. Again, using PORT WATCH AI to monitor underwater noise and surface water, the system creates an ambient 'noise library' that helps identify specific sound sources, such as ships or construction activities. This project supports the Port in enhancing its ‘Green Marine’ reporting capability, a key metric used by ports and shipping companies to improve their focus on environmental protection—an essential element in Belledune's transition to a Green Energy Hub. This provides valuable data for port authorities, environmental regulators, and future SeafarerAI projects.
What sets this project apart is its dual-purpose application. Not only is it improving operational efficiency and environmental protection for the port, but the technology will also be shared with neighboring Indigenous communities to help monitor traditional waterways. This collaborative approach strengthens both security and ecological sustainability, reflecting SeafarerAI’s commitment to responsible innovation.
Founder Ian Wilms explained the dual nature of his recent projects: 'We’re building an AI system that captures everything happening both underwater and on the surface. At Belledune, we listen for things like whales, divers, and submarines. When Beluga or Right whales are vocalizing, we will launch drones to visually confirm their location and set sea marks for ships to avoid potential conflicts. We also monitor underwater noise, which can disrupt sonar systems used by fishermen and marine operations, demonstrating both environmental and security monitoring capabilities.'
SeafarerAI’s projects are part of a larger movement within Canada’s Ocean Supercluster to embrace AI-driven solutions in the ocean sector. Two other recently announced AI initiatives include a project led by Vancouver-based ThisFish, which aims to streamline the seafood supply chain with generative AI, and another led by Deep Trekker, focused on using AI-driven ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) for real-time ship modeling and monitoring.
These projects, alongside SeafarerAI’s efforts, underscore the potential for AI to transform how maritime industries operate, driving greater efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.