UKHO Partners with Shom to Launch International S-100 Sea Trials Program
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has launched an international sea trials program in partnership with the French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom). The joint program represents the most comprehensive test of S-100 data standards to date and will form part of the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) coordinated test bed framework. Throughout the trials, the UKHO and Shom will collect evidence to inform safety and efficiency use cases, while providing guidance on the introduction of the S-100 data framework, which is set to underpin the future of maritime navigation.
Saildrone Maps Cayman Islands EEZ
also refined cloud-based data processing workflows, enabling preliminary products to be reviewed during the mission rather than months later. Combined with persistent satellite connectivity, this approach shortened the feedback loop, improved QC, and ensured that the Cayman Government and the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) would receive high-confidence data sets for charting and long-term marine planning.For many islands with developing economies, the barrier to comprehensive ocean mapping is not only cost, but also logistics, including vessel charter fees, fuel, crew, mobilization, demobilization, and
At the Helm of the UKHO
This May, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) appointed Vanessa Blake as its chief executive, a role she had filled on an interim basis since May 2024. Blake first joined the UKHO in 2023 as chief customer officer, drawn by how the role leveraged all her experience and skills while still presenting a new challenge.Employing a marketing tack"I love the variety, the passion of the people here to share our expertise and help mariners across the globe to navigate safely," said Blake. "It’s an amazing organization, delivering a strong purpose for safe, secure and thriving oceans –
UKHO to Host ‘S-100 in focus’ Panel at London International Shipping Week 2025
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) will host an in-person panel discussion during London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025, bringing together expert voices from across the maritime industry to explore the next generation of navigation standards. Titled "S-100 in focus," the session will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Sea Containers, London, and is free to attend with advance registration. The event will examine the maritime sector’s transition to the S-100 framework, designed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Focusing on S-100&rsquo
Captain Ahmed Al Badi receives 2025 Alexander Dalrymple Award
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025 the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) presented Captain (Aqeed) Ahmed Al Badi, Head of the Oman National Hydrographic Office (ONHO), with the Alexander Dalrymple Award for 2025. The award recognizes his services to hydrography. Captain Ahmed Al Badi was invited to the UKHO where he was presented with this year’s award. Hosted by the UK’s National Hydrographer and Director of Data Acquisition and Defence, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh OBE, the presentation was attended by members of the wider UKHO team, as well as by Colonel Said Al Mamari, Assistant Military
S-100 has Value Beyond ECDIS
The S-100 framework is a new global standard created by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), in collaboration with other hydrographic offices around the world, that enables the integration of diverse datasets within a single Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).Mariners will be able to combine various data layers with Electronic Navigational Charts including detailed depth information and dynamic information on tides and currents.S-100 builds on the digital foundation of S-57, the standard for electronic navigational charts since 1992. The goal is to enhance situational
UK Hydrographic Office Appoints Chief Executive
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has appointed Vanessa Blake as its Chief Executive. Vanessa, who has been Interim Chief Executive since May 2024, to continue to lead the center for hydrography on a permanent basis, guiding its mission to provide quality, innovative navigation solutions to support safe, secure and thriving oceans.Over the last year, Vanessa has steered the organization through a pivotal period of transformation. Under Vanessa’s leadership, the UKHO has continued to play a leading role in guiding the wider maritime industry through evolving challenges and opportunities
Philantropist Trust Funds Cayman Islands EEZ Mapping
waters 25m to 12 nautical miles offshore; Fishing Banks, namely 12 Mile Bank, 60 Mile Bank, Pickle Bank and Lawfords Bank; and Cayman Trough and the remainder of the Cayman Islands EEZ outside of the Cayman Trough.Saildrone will collect the raw bathymetry data, which will be provided to the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) to process and update the Cayman Islands’ nautical charts. The data will belong to the Cayman Islands government.The mission is philanthropically funded by the London & Amsterdam Trust Company Limited, a Cayman-based organization that wants to leave a legacy to the Cayman Islands
Teledyne Geospatial Automates Nautical Paper Chart Production
, and the integration of various data sources. Recognizing the need for a modern, technology-driven approach, CARIS AutoChart is a comprehensive software solution tailored specifically to the needs of nautical chart producers.CARIS AutoChart was formally released as part of the Australian Hydrographic Office’s (AHO) event for World Hydrography Day on June 21, 2024. The AHO has been an early adopter of CARIS AutoChart providing valuable feedback.Key features of the new software solution include:• Automatically generate charts in PDF/TIF from ENC data: Seamlessly import data from ENC
December 2025
