UKHO delays withdrawal of paper navigational charts

As Seatrade Maritime News reported in July last year UKHO had previously set a date of the end of 2026 to make its chart portfolio fully digital.

The date has now been put back till at least 2030.

The change in plan follows wide-ranging consultation with distributors, defence customers, commercial and leisure users, international regulatory authorities, and colleagues in the global hydrographic community. As a result of these discussion UKHO said it had become clear that more time was required to address the needs of specific users who do not yet have viable alternatives to paper chart products.

Peter Sparkes UKHO Chief Executive, “As we further develop digital navigation solutions, our long-term intention to withdraw from paper chart production remains unchanged and we will continue to withdraw elements of our chart portfolio over the coming period, on a case-by-case basis. However, having listened to the feedback we have received and in light of the consequential impact of the international technical and regulatory steps required to develop digital alternatives, we will be extending the overall timetable for this process.”