S-100 timelines explained

Understand the S-100 timeline: from the introduction of the IMO Performance Standards to the expected dual-fuel ECDIS era. Discover what these dates mean for ship operators, mariners and ECDIS manufacturers.

With the first major S-100 milestones approaching, some of the most common questions from ship operators and mariners at recent maritime industry events have been about timelines for implementation. For example, ‘I would like more detail on the S-100 transition period’ and ‘When will there be a type-approved S-100 ECDIS?’

This guide to S-100 timelines aims to provide key dates and milestones for the transition to S-100 ECDIS. It is designed to help you plan confidently; to understand what is not changing, what is changing and when.

However, 2020-2030 is the IHO’s S-100 implementation decade. Their roadmap is global and understandably complex and remains subject to possible revisions. At the UKHO, it is our intention to help provide clarity to users and the wider industry as we move closer toward implementation.

Adopted in November 2022, the IMO’s revised ECDIS Performance Standards (MSC.530(106)), marked a turning point. For the first time, they established an international regulatory basis for S-100-capable ECDIS to be fitted and type-approved.

The IMO Performance Standard for ECDIS outlines to manufacturers what an ECDIS must be able to do – including how it displays charts, manages updates and supports safe navigation. Since 2006, all new ECDIS have had to meet the standard called MSC.232(82). In 2022, the IMO introduced a new standard – MSC.530(106) – to support the next generation of S-100 data.

From 1 January 2026: New ECDIS can follow either the old standard (MSC.232(82)) or the new one (MSC.530(106)). However, it is important to note that S-100-compatible systems are still under development, and the testing standards necessary for type approval have yet to be published, meaning no ECDIS will meet the new standard in the short term.

From 1 January 2029: All newly installed ECDIS must meet the new standard MSC.530(106) – meaning they must be S-100 compatible. This also applies to retrofits. 

While the regulatory milestones are clear, the transition will take time and global coordination.

Even after S-100 becomes mandatory, new ECDIS systems will still be able to display today’s S-57 ENCs. This creates a period of ‘dual fuelling’, where mariners can switch between existing S-57 ENCs and new S-100 data for a smooth transition.

No, there won’t be a requirement to replace existing ECDIS. However, any new installations or retrofits that occur after 1 January 2029 will need to conform to the new performance standard and be capable of displaying S-100 data.

A range of ECDIS manufacturers are already developing and testing S-100-compatible ECDIS systems. Based on current timelines, type-approved S-100 ECDIS are estimated to be commercially available to purchase in 2028. 

Before then, non-type-approved systems will be available for testing, familiarisation and back-of-bridge use. The UKHO is working closely with multiple ECDIS manufacturers to support this development; this includes testing S-100 in both shore-based environments and live S-100 sea trials to help ensure that future ECDIS are designed to meet the needs of users.

The IHO has outlined a phased approach for the rollout of S-100 products, enabling a staged and manageable transition. The initial set of S-100 products supports safe navigation and situational awareness during route monitoring:

• S-101 — Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC)
• S-102 — Bathymetric Surface
• S-104 — Water Levels
• S-111 — Surface Currents
• S-124 — Navigational Warnings
• S-128 — Catalogue of Nautical Products
• S-129 — Under Keel Clearance Management

These datasets are closest to operational deployment since they are currently being tested and trialled to ensure that initial coverage in selected areas will be ready for when S-100 ECDIS become available. While initial coverage will be limited, major ports are likely to be prioritised for data production – as this is where users will benefit most from richer, more precise data. 

Trial datasets will continue to be produced and published from 2025-2026, as hydrographic offices like the UKHO continue with testing as part of ongoing S-100 sea trials. Subsequent phases will extend the framework, including additional interoperable data standards such as:

• S-122 — Marine Protected Areas
• S-123 — Marine Radio Services
• S-125 — Aids to Navigation
• S-127 — Marine Traffic Management
• S-131 — Harbour Infrastructure
• S-411/412 — Ice and Weather/Wave Hazards

Industry stakeholders are currently discussing timelines for the development and display of these data standards.

During the transition, both S-57 and S-101 ENCs will be used in parallel. This ‘dual fuel’ phase is designed to maintain operational continuity; mariners will continue to use existing ENCs while gaining access to the richer data layers afforded by S-100 where available.

There is currently no planned date for the withdrawal of S-57 ENCs, and both data types will be supported for the foreseeable future to ensure a safe and flexible transition.

Andrew Rigamonti is Senior Product Manager for S-100 at the UK Hydrographic Office, with over 16 years of experience working with marine data products. He plays a key role in guiding the UKHO’s transition to the S-100 data framework, working closely with partners across the maritime ecosystem to support industry readiness. Andrew’s work focuses on helping stakeholders understand how S-100 standards could enable richer, more interoperable navigational products and enhance decision-making for mariners and data users worldwide.

The UK Hydrographic Office will continue to support the maritime community through this important transition at an appropriate pace.

Just as we supported the industry through the mandatory transition to ECDIS, the UKHO is committed to helping all stakeholders prepare for S-100 with clear guidance, informative seminars, official data and practical tools.