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International Hydrographic Organization News

21 Sep 2023

Partners Agree Emission Reductions on Rotterdam-Singapore Corridor

Source: Port of Rotterdam

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Port of Rotterdam Authority and 20 partners in the Green & Digital Shipping Corridor are working to reduce 20% to 30% of emissions from international shipping by 2030. This was agreed at the third Green Corridor workshop, held this week in Rotterdam.The Green & Digital Shipping Corridor was established in August 2022 to bring together partners across the supply chain to realise zero and near-zero emissions shipping on the Rotterdam-Singapore route, with the ultimate aim to reach net-zero emissions in 2050.

23 May 2023

Port of London Launches Fully-electric Survey Vessel

(Photo: Port of London Authority)

In a first for UK ports, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and University College of London (UCL) have launched a fully electric, remotely operated survey vessel.It will support a MSc Hydrographic Surveying course they have run in partnership since 1999.The state-of-the-art platform, manufactured by Maritime Robotics, was acquired by the partners, following a successful bid and award of an £263,000 grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).The vessel features the most advanced sonar and scanning system from technology manufacturer NORBIT, called a WINGHEAD.

13 Jul 2020

UKHO Taps Sparkes as Acting Chief Executive

Rear Admiral Peter Sparkes (Photo: UKHO)

The U.K. Hydrographic Office has announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Peter Sparkes, the current U.K. National Hydrographer and Deputy Chief Executive, to the position of acting chief executive and accounting officer.Sparkes will hold the position while a permanent replacement is sought for Tim Lowe CBE, the previous UKHO chief executive and accounting officer, who announced his retirement Friday.Commenting on Lowe’s retirement, Sparkes said, “On behalf of the senior leadership team and all at the U.K.

03 Mar 2020

Hybrid Hydrographic Boat Delivered in France

Photo: Torqeedo

French builder Alumarine Shipyard has delivered a new hydrographic survey boat to the Port of La Rochelle.The eight-meter aluminum vessel, dubbed Cassiopée, is powered by a dual electric/diesel propulsion system. The newbuild is designed to transit at 20-25 knots under diesel power between the home port and the acquisition area, then shift to the electric outboards while performing scans of the seafloor.Electric propulsion and hybrid drives manufacturer Torqeedo said it worked closely with the naval architect and shipyard to specify…

19 Feb 2019

IMO Urges GHG Reduction

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim has called for Member States and the entire maritime sector including shipping and ports, to come on board to achieve the ambitions set out in the historic IMO initial strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, adopted last year.The UN body said that the strategy makes a firm commitment to a complete phase out of GHG emissions from ships, a specific linkage to the Paris Agreement and a series of clear levels of ambition, including at least a 50 per cent cut in emissions from the sector by 2050.“We need to focus on technology transfer and research and development…

22 May 2018

Mappers Look to Chart World's Ocean Floor by 2030

Photo courtesy of Nippon Foundation and GEBCO

Using data collected from underwater drones, merchant ships, fishing boats and even explorers, a new scientific project aims to map the ocean floor by 2030 and solve one of the world’s enduring mysteries.With 190 million square km (73 million square miles) of water - or about 93 percent of the world's oceans with a depth of over 200 meters (650 feet) - yet to be charted, the initiative is ambitious.Satinder Bindra, director of the Seabed 2030 project, said the work can be completed within the period and will shed light on everything from tsunami wave patterns to pollution…

28 Jan 2018

IMO to Promote e-Navigation

Reliable, user-friendly and integrated navigation and communications systems can help with decision making on a ship. That is where e-Navigation comes in. International Maritime Organization (IMO) attended the e-Navigation Underway International Conference which takes place every year on board a ship travelling between Copenhagen and Oslo (24-26 January 2018). IMO's Sascha Pristrom gave a presentation on IMO's plan to lead shipping into a new digital era. He updated participants on IMO's e-Navigation Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP) as well as its work with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to develop guidance on definition and harmonization of the format and structure of Maritime Service Portfolios (MSPs).

11 Jul 2017

Most Cargo Ships Over 20,000 GT are ECDIS Ready -UKHO

© Jose Gil / Adobe Stock

Almost three-quarters of cargo ships over 20,000 gross tonnage (GT) are already compliant with the SOLAS-mandated Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) deadline of July 1, 2017, according to the latest figures published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO). The UKHO estimates that a further 3,828 cargo ships over 20,000 GT are yet to make the transition to using an ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart) service and therefore do not yet meet SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations on ECDIS carriage.

27 Apr 2017

How Deep is the Ocean?

Hydrogaphy, the science of surveying and charting bodies of water, is essential to the safe, sustainable and cost-effective use of the world’s oceans. This was International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim’s message at the 1st Assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco (24 April). Around 90% of the world’s oceans and 50% of coastal waters have never had their depth measured. And there are higher resolution maps of the Moon, Mars and Venus than for most of the world’s maritime areas. In this context, hydrographers make a valuable contribution to the delivery of Sustainable Development Goal 14 on conserving and sustainably using the oceans – whether in support of navigational safety…

16 Jan 2017

Certified ECDIS RH Marine Meets Future Standards

RH Marine's Rhodium ECDIS  (Photo: RH Marine)

In December 2016 RH Marine’s ECDIS has officially been certified to meet the latest international standards. RH Marine is one of the first suppliers to have a fully certified ECDIS complying with the updated International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standard that will be effective on September 1, 2017. Almost a year ago the IHO and the IEC introduced new ECDIS standards. One of the biggest benefits of upgrading ECDIS systems to the latest S-52 Presentation Library will be a reduction in the number of audible alarms triggered by ECDIS…

15 Sep 2016

Inmarsat Sponsorship for safety H.E.R.O.

Inmarsat will commemorate the untimely passing earlier this year of one of the architects of its Maritime Safety Operations network by sponsoring the first International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) H.E.R.O. Award for outstanding service to maritime search and rescue, 'The Vladimir Maksimov Award'. The sponsorship is seen as a fitting tribute to Vladimir Maksimov, Inmarsat Director of SOLAS Services, who died on 4th May 2016 after a short illness, following 25 years with Inmarsat. Mr Maksimov played a central role in the Inmarsat safety team. The H.E.R.O. (Honouring Excellence in Rescue Operations) Awards, launched by the IMRF in April this year, have been developed to draw attention to the extraordinary work done to save lives in maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) across the world.

19 May 2016

ECDIS: The Quiet Revolution in Maritime Navigation

Driven by the SOLAS-mandated transition to ECDIS, the adoption of digital navigation is the most visible sign of how navigational practices are being transformed. Additional tools are also playing an important role in supporting bridge teams and delivering accurate navigational information to the bridge. We are now halfway through the transition period under the timetable set out in the amendments to the SOLAS Convention adopted in 2009, requiring the mandatory carriage of ECDIS for ships engaged on international voyages.

11 Apr 2016

New Type Approval for Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS

Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS (Image: Raytheon Anschütz)

German navigation system manufacturer Raytheon Anschütz announced it is ready to deliver Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS) Software compliant with new International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards. The IEC and IHO have published new versions of some of their ECDIS standards, and all users must update their existing ECDIS to be in compliance by September 1, 2017. Raytheon Anschütz has finished type approval of the ECDIS Software according to these standards.

09 Jul 2015

UKHO Calls on Shipowners Regarding Updated ECDIS Standards

Tom Mellow  (Photo: UKHO)

IHO announces new ECDIS Standards; 12 months to complete transition. Following the announcement of updated ECDIS Standards by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the UKHO is encouraging all shipowners to speak to their ECDIS manufacturers to ensure a smooth, timely transition. The technical standards that govern the display of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) within an ECDIS are the responsibility of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the international body that coordinates the activities of the community of national hydrographic offices.

27 May 2015

UKHO ‘Living with ECDIS’ Seminars at Nor-Shipping

Captain Paul Hailwood, UKHO ECDIS Seminar (Photo: UKHO)

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has announced the details of its free-to-attend ECDIS Seminars at Nor-Shipping, which have been updated to include the implications for shipowners and operators of the updated IHO ENC (Electronic Nautical Charts) Standards. The UKHO’s ‘Living with ECDIS’ Seminars will take place on Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4 at Nor-Shipping and will be presented by Captain Paul Hailwood, a renowned expert on ECDIS and integrated bridge operations, and Tom Mellor.

16 Dec 2014

World Magnetic Model Updated

The WMM is a large-scale representation of Earth’s magnetic field. The blue and red lines indicate the positive and negative difference between where a compass points the compass direction and geographic North. Green lines indicate zero degrees of declination. (Credit: NOAA)

NOAA officials announced today the World Magnetic Model (WMM), a representation of Earth’s large-scale magnetic field and an indispensable complement to GPS devices used by NATO, the United States and United Kingdom militaries, as well as civil applications ranging from mineral exploration to smartphone apps, has been updated. Changes in the Earth's outer core trigger unpredictable changes in its magnetic field, an invisible force that extends from Earth's interior to where it meets a stream of charged particles emanating from the Sun.

18 Jun 2014

Electronic Cartography Market worth $20 Billion by 2020

According to the report "Electronic Cartography Market by Application (Marine - Commercial and Defense, Aviation - Marine - Commercial and Defense), Components (Systems, Charts), Marine Electronic Navigation Systems (ECDIS, ECS), Aviation Electronic Navigation Systems (Very Large Aircrafts, Wide Body Aircrafts, Narrow Body Aircrafts), Marine Electronic Charts Licensing Mode (PAYS, Direct), Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa) Forecast and Analysis, 2014-2020", published by MarketsandMarkets, the electronic cartography market is expected to reach $20.3 billion, growing with a CAGR of 1.46% from 2014 to 2020. The last few years have witnessed a well paced revolution in the electronic cartographic market.

30 May 2013

US Chart No. 1 Goes Electronic

Chart No.1 Globe: Image credit NOAA

U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Chart No.1 has described the symbols used on paper nautical charts for 65 years. Mariners have had a standard guide for understanding the symbols, abbreviations and terms used on paper nautical charts since 1948. In a major step forward, a new edition of that guide also describes the symbols specified by the International Hydrographic Organization for the display of electronic navigational charts (ENC) on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). Several maritime nations produce their own versions of Chart 1. The U.S. Chart No.

02 Jun 2013

New Navigational Product Trio from NOAA

Mobile App in Beta: Image courtesy of NOAA

NOAA highlight new US Chart 1, new chart of California waters with IMO TSS shown, and a beta mobile chart app for boaters. New U.S. For the 65 years since the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey issued the first edition of U.S. Chart No.1 in 1948, mariners have had a standard guide for understanding the symbols, abbreviations and terms used on paper nautical charts. In a major step forward, a new edition of that guide also describes the symbols specified by the International Hydrographic…

13 Jun 2013

Rolta to Provide India's National NAVTEX Network

Rolta India Ltd wins contract for establishing "National NAVTEX Network" from a subordinate office under the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, that provides general aids to navigation along the Indian coast. NAVTEX is an international automated medium frequency service for delivery of navigational and meteorological warnings and forecasts, as well as urgent marine safety information to ships. NAVTEX is a component of the International Maritime Organization / International Hydrographic Organization, Worldwide Navigation Warning Service (WWNWS) and is also a major element of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS).

13 Jun 2013

Admiralty Vector Chart Service Now Available on DVD

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) unveiled plans to supply the  Admiralty Vector Chart Service (AVCS) on one DVD from summer 2013, providing customers with a range of benefits, including faster loading speeds, reduced data handling and fewer warning messages. Combined with the existing online ENC updating service and custom exchange set option delivered through e-Navigator Planning Station, AVCS on one DVD marks a significant step forward in making open, S-63 based ENC services much easier for the mariner.

30 Sep 2013

Korean Hydrographic Society Joins IFHS

The Hydrographic Society of Korea (HySK) has been elected a member of the International Federation of Hydrographic Societies (IFHS), joining other national organizations representing Australasia, Benelux, Denmark, Germany, Italy, South Africa and the U.K. Based in Seoul, the HySK is headed by its President, Dr. Dae Choul Kim of Pukyong National University’s Department of Energy Resources Engineering, whose fellow directors are drawn from key sectors of the Korean maritime industry. The Society itself represents leading hydrographic surveying individuals and organizations throughout Korea and has recently concluded joint Memorandums-of-Understanding (MoUs) with the China Institution of Boundary & Ocean Studies (CIBOS) at Wuhan University and IFHS fellow-member…

22 Jan 2014

Australian Navy Surveys Antarctica

Antarctic Survey Vessel Wyatt Earp Surveying Newcomb Bay. Photo: ABHSO Dyer, Royal Australian Navy

The Royal Australian Navy’s Deployable Geospatial Survey Team returned from a six-week Antarctic expedition to collect essential data for navigational charts and scientific research. The team sailed from Hobart in RSV Aurora Australis on December 11, 2013 to conduct a hydrographic survey in the vicinity of Casey Station, a permanent base in Antarctica managed by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). “We sailed the Wyatt Earp from Aurora Australis seven times in conditions of extreme cold to collect high quality data…