The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has actually revealed its objective to establish choices for the withdrawal from worldwide paper graph manufacturing by late 2026 to enhance concentrate on its electronic navigating product or services.
Plans to take out the UKHO’s profile of ADMIRALTY Standard Nautical Charts (SNCs) as well as Thematic Charts remain in reaction to extra aquatic, marine as well as recreation individuals mostly utilizing electronic product or services for navigating. The ADMIRALTY Maritime Data Solutions electronic navigating profile can be upgraded in close to real-time, considerably boosting safety and security of life mixed-up (SOLAS).
The phased withdrawal of paper graphes from manufacturing will certainly happen over a variety of years as well as is prepared for in conclusion in late 2026. In parallel, we will certainly establish feasible, main electronic choices for industries still utilizing paper graph items. This will certainly be a meticulously taken care of procedure, performed in close intermediary with all clients as well as stakeholders, consisting of the Maritime as well as Coastguard Agency (MCA) in addition to various other regulative bodies, hydrographic workplaces, market companions as well as suppliers.
Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive of the UKHO, claimed:
“The decision to commence the process of withdrawing from paper chart production will allow us to increase our focus on advanced digital services that meet the needs of today’s seafarers. As we look to the future, our core purpose remains the safety of shipping operations and delivering the best possible navigation solutions to achieve that. Whether for the Royal Navy, commercial vessels or other ocean users, our focus is on developing and delivering ADMIRALTY digital services that promote safe, secure and thriving oceans.
“We understand the significance of this announcement, given the distinguished history of the UKHO’s paper chart production and the trust that mariners have placed in ADMIRALTY charts over the generations. We will support users of SNCs during the withdrawal of our paper chart portfolio and work with our distributors to help users switch to digital alternatives between now and our planned date of 2026.”
The relocate to electronic navigating services has actually been gone along with by a quick decrease sought after for paper graphes, driven by the SOLAS-mandated shift to ECDIS as well as the bigger advantages of electronic services, consisting of the future generation of navigating solutions, Peter Sparkes clarified.
“Shipping is moving quickly towards a future underpinned by digital innovations, enhanced satellite connectivity at sea and optimised data solutions, supporting the next generation of navigation. The UKHO aims to be at the vanguard of this digital transition, continuing to provide the assured and globally trusted ADMIRALTY navigation services that seafarers the world over depend on.”
Baroness Goldie, Minister of State at the UK federal government’s Ministry of Defence, claimed:
“The world has changed unrecognisably in recent years, driven by digitalisation and rapid technological advancement. When it comes to maritime, one of our priorities at the Ministry of Defence is to make shipping as safe as possible; to achieve this, the industry must continue transitioning to digital tools and technology that share data almost instantly from ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore.
“As one of the world’s leading authorities on navigational charts, the UKHO is well positioned to recognise the need to deliver a range of digital solutions that enhance safety and data accuracy. The decision to focus on digital products and services makes strategic and commercial sense, helping usher in a new era of maritime navigation, which will be powered by digital innovations.”
Richard Bell, Assistant Director for UK Technical Services Navigation at the MCA, claimed:
“The MCA recognises the benefits of official digital navigation products for safe navigation, at a time when paper products make up a minority of navigation products being used at sea. This announcement by UKHO represents a clear vision for the future of navigation, which will need to be supported by official equipment and data suited to the needs of the different maritime end users.
“We are committed to working closely with the UKHO, stakeholders and industry to make this vision a reality. Close liaison will be essential, to ensure that the technical and legislative barriers to the proposed change are overcome in advance of the UKHO’s 2026 timeline.”
