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In May, we hosted the latest webinar in our shaping the future of navigation with S-100 panel discussion series, continuing the conversation with new perspectives shared and new questions answered around the future of digital navigation and data interoperability in the maritime industry.
Once again, we were joined by an international audience from more than 70 countries, highlighting the growing global interest in the transition to S-100 and the future of maritime navigation.
The session revisited key discussions from our recent panel at Sea Asia, Singapore and brought together insights from UKHO experts: Head of Technical Partnerships, Tom Mellor and Head of Customer Experience, Guy Mock with those of Dr Parry Oei, Advisor at the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and Elinor Skelley, UKHO Chief Customer Officer, who together answered thoughtful questions from across the industry.
Watch the webinar
Topics ranged from the evolution of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) to the increasing need for dynamic data in complex port environments like Singapore. A recording of the webinar is now available to watch below for those who were unable to attend the live event.
We explored how the S-100 framework being developed by the International Hydrographic Organization could enable a more integrated, flexible and future-ready approach to marine data.
A particular focus was placed on the ‘phase one’ product specifications that are closest to operational maturity:
- S-101 – next-generation Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs)
- S-102 – bathymetric surface
- S-104 – water levels
- S-111 – surface currents
Together, these standards are designed to provide mariners with a richer, more dynamic view of the marine environment, supporting safer, more efficient decision-making both at sea and within (increasingly complex) port settings.
The expanding role of S-100 in global maritime operations
We also looked at how S-100 could support clearer, less cluttered ECDIS displays, and the importance of up-to-date hydrographic data in enabling more precise navigation, particularly in regions with tight under-keel clearance.
A further discussion point in this webinar was interoperability, and how the S-100 framework could support not only navigational decision-making but also broader collaboration across agencies in environmental or emergency contexts.
Image credit: Navtor
This multi-domain, multi-agency approach highlights the potential of S-100 to facilitate faster, more coordinated responses by enabling a shared picture of the marine environment across organisations.
As the S-100 framework continues to evolve, it’s clear that its benefits could extend beyond navigation, supporting greater integration and resilience across the wider maritime sector.
Image credit: SevenCs
As Dr Parry Oei noted during the session:
Body“It is not only about port efficiency now. We are talking about the marine environment, protecting the marine environment. We are talking about food security. We are talking about climate change.
When marine pollution happens, it’s not only the Maritime Port Authorities that are involved. You have got the National Environment Agency; you have got the land authorities. And we were using not only information on land but also drones as well. It’s all three components: land, sea and air that makes us more conscious of the marine environment.”
Explore S-100
Dive into our interactive journey to explore the emerging S-100 data standards and begin to see how richer, interoperable data could shape the future of safe, efficient navigation.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us live and contributed questions and feedback. If you’d like to stay informed about future webinars and updates on S-100, sign up below to receive the latest information direct to your inbox.
Name
Guy Mock
As Head of Customer Experience, Guy represents the voice of the customer across the UKHO. After joining the UKHO in 2013, Guy has since managed and developed a breadth of teams across the Customer division including Channel and Licensing, ADMIRALTY Asia Pacific, Market Insight, Customer Services and Technical Product Management. In his current role, Guy now works with colleagues to ensure a world-class service provision to our customers and end users across the globe.
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S-104 and S-111: Tidal services supporting safer, smarter navigation
Learn more about S-104 and S-111, the new data standards for water levels and surface currents, as part of the emerging S-100 data framework.
S-104 and S-111: Tidal services supporting safer, smarter navigation
Learn more about S-104 and S-111, the new data standards for water levels and surface currents, as part of the emerging S-100 data framework.
S-102: Rich bathymetry to support precise navigation
Learn more about the new data standard for bathymetric surface data, as part of the emerging S-100 data framework.