Announced end of UKHO paper nautical charts

After the NOAA (¹) and SHOM (²), United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has just announced its intention to take steps to phase out the production of the world's nautical paper charts by the end of 2026 to focus more on its digital navigation products and services.

Withdrawal plans for the ADMIRALTY Standard Nautical Charts portfolio (SNCs) and UKHO's Thematic Charts respond to the fact that more and more marine and leisure users are mainly using digital products and services for navigation. ADMIRALTY Maritime Data Solutions' digital navigation portfolio can be updated in near real-time, which significantly improves the safety of life at sea (SOLAS).

The phase-out of paper chart production will take place over several years and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
In parallel, official and viable digital alternatives will be developed for sectors that still use paper charts. This will be a carefully managed process, conducted in close collaboration with all customers and stakeholders, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other regulators, hydrographic offices, industrial partners and distributors.

Standard Admiralty paper charts

Peter Sparkes, Director General of 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". Looking to the future, our main goal remains the safety of navigation operations and the provision of the best possible navigation solutions to achieve this. Whether for the Royal Navy, commercial vessels or other ocean users, we focus on the development and delivery of ADMIRALTY digital services that promote security, the safety and prosperity of the oceans. "

“We understand the significance of this announcement, given the remarkable history of UKHO's paper chart production and the trust sailors have placed in ADMIRALTY charts over 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. "

He also explained :

"The move to digital navigation solutions has been accompanied by a rapid decline in demand for paper charts, as a result of the SOLAS transition to ECDIS and the wider benefits of digital solutions, including the next generation of navigation services. Navigation is rapidly evolving towards a future based on digital innovations, improved offshore satellite connectivity and optimized data solutions, supporting the next generation of navigation. UKHO intends to be at the forefront of this digital transition, continuing to provide the assured and globally trusted ADMIRALTY navigation services that seafarers the world over depend on. "