In order to put more of a focus on its digital navigation products and services, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has declared its intention to develop possibilities for the withdrawal from the production of paper charts around the world by late 2026.
Plans to remove the ADMIRALTY Standard Nautical Charts (SNCs) and Thematic Charts from the UKHO’s portfolio are being made in response to the growing number of marine, naval, and leisure customers who predominantly use digital goods and services for navigation. The digital navigation portfolio from ADMIRALTY Maritime Data Solutions can be updated in almost real-time, considerably boosting the safety of life at sea (SOLAS).
Paper charts will be phased out of production over a number of years, with the process expected to end in late 2026. Parallel to that, we will create feasible, official digital equivalents for sectors that still use paper chart products. This will be a meticulously managed procedure that will be carried out in close collaboration with all customers and stakeholders, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), as well as other regulatory authorities, hydrographic offices, industrial partners, and distributors.
Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive of the UKHO, said:
“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.”
According to Peter Sparkes, the SOLAS-mandated transition to ECDIS and the wider advantages of digital alternatives, including the next generation of navigation services, have caused a significant reduction in the need for paper charts.
“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 government’s Ministry of Defence, said:
“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, said:
“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.”
More information on UKHO’s carefully managed approach for the phased withdrawal of paper chart production can be found on the ADMIRALTY website.