Sedna becomes operator of ASV Viper as three firms align to advance charting of Canada’s Arctic 

IQALUIT, NU / HALIFAX, NS / VANCOUVER, BC, Sedna ROV Services Inc., Leeway Marine, and IIC Technologies today announced a partnership to strengthen hydrographic survey capacity across the Canadian Arctic. Together, the three companies bring proven Arctic operations, autonomous survey assets, and world-class hydrographic and charting expertise into a single, coordinated capability positioned to support the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) in mapping one of the least-charted regions on Earth. 

As part of the partnership, Sedna ROV Services is now the owner and operator of the Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) Viper, effective May 2026. Previously owned by Leeway Marine, Viper is configured for multibeam echosounder and sub-bottom profiler data collection, purpose-built for the bathymetric work the Arctic demands. Leeway Marine will provide vessel management services to support Sedna’s operation of the vessel, drawing on its team’s deep marine engineering and at-sea experience. 

The collaboration unites complementary strengths. Sedna, a 100% Inuit-owned company based in Iqaluit, served as prime contractor for the CHS Arctic Region Surveys in 2023 and 2024, and brings the local knowledge, crews and on-the-water experience that Arctic operations require. Leeway Marine, an Atlantic Canadian vessel operator, contributes eight years and many seasons of crewed Arctic survey support along with professional vessel management. IIC Technologies, a global leader in hydrographic and geospatial services, adds survey planning, data processing and nautical charting expertise aligned with the IHO S-100 standard. IIC also brings years of Arctic survey experience of its own, delivered alongside Leeway Marine, and the two companies have partnered on survey projects around the world. 

A central aim of the partnership is building lasting local capacity through technology transfer, training and education, and best practices. The partners will combine decades of operational experience to build competencies for the next generation of surveyors and vessel operators in Iqaluit, through on-the-job training and access to formal credentials via the IIC Academy, which delivers IHO-recognized S-5B Hydrographic Surveying and S-8B Nautical Charting programs. 

Greg Veinott (CCO, Leeway Marine), John Conyon (Director Hydrographic Operations, IIC Technologies) & Kirt Ejesiak (CEO, Sedna ROV Services Inc.) meet in Ottawa.

"Sedna has proven it can deliver as prime contractor for CHS Arctic surveys. Adding the Viper to our fleet, with Leeway managing vessel operations and IIC bringing world-class charting expertise, gives us a coordinated capability that no single firm could offer alone. We are ready to take on more of the Arctic’s charting backlog, and to do it from the North." 

- Kirt Ejesiak, Chief Executive Officer, Sedna ROV Services 

"Leeway has spent years supporting hydrographic survey operations across the Canadian Arctic, and we understand both the challenges and the importance of gathering high-quality data in these waters. This partnership brings together the right combination of local knowledge, advanced autonomous technology, and hydrographic expertise to help accelerate Arctic charting. We are proud to support Sedna’s operation of Viper and to contribute our vessel management experience to a capability that will improve navigation safety, support northern communities, and build long-term capacity."

- Jamie Sangster, Chief Executive Officer, Leeway Marine 

"IIC Technologies is pleased to be part of the resilience and industrial growth of the Arctic. The partnership formed with Sedna and Leeway provides opportunity and signifies progress towards charting Canadian waters for safety of navigation and the protection of the environment."

- Derrick Peyton, Chief Executive Officer, IIC Technologies 

The partnership is structured as a collaboration between the three companies, positioning all parties to deliver coordinated survey services across Nunavut, Nunavik and the wider Canadian Arctic. 

About Sedna ROV Services Inc. 

A 100% Inuit-owned marine technology company headquartered in Iqaluit, Nunavut, specializing in bathymetric survey, ROV inspection, sea-ice monitoring and underwater imaging across the Canadian Arctic. 

About Leeway Marine 

An Atlantic Canadian ship and vessel chartering and management company based in Nova Scotia, providing vessels and marine operational support for offshore surveys, research and defence, including extensive Arctic experience. 

About IIC Technologies 

A global provider of geospatial and hydrographic solutions and services, including survey, nautical charting, S-100/S-101 production, and accredited training through IIC Academy.

Header photo caption: Kirt Ejesiak (CEO), Livete Ataguyuk and Pakak Picco, from Sedna ROV Services Inc., visit Leeway Marine’s facility at the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), for vessel training on ASV Viper, in May 2026.