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S-100 navigation data sets begin sea trials
National hydrographic offices will trial the new data format with ECDIS manufacturers
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom) have started international sea trials using the S-100 data standards planned for future ship navigation.
These trials will be undertaken on vessels sailing from Portsmouth, UK, to St Helier, Jersey (UK), and to Saint-Malo, France, in early 2026 using S-100 data as part of the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) co-ordinated testbed framework.
The programme will also bring together ECDIS and portable pilot-unit manufacturers including Raymarine, Furuno, Navtor, OSI Marine Systems, Seall ECDIS and SEAiq to evaluate the interoperability of S-100 data layers.
During the trials, six interoperable S-100 data layers – S-101 covering electronic navigational charts, bathymetric surface (S-102), water levels (S-104), surface currents (S-111), navigational warnings (S-124) and a catalogue of nautical products (S-128) – will be used across multiple ECDIS units in live navigation scenarios.
These scenarios will involve a range of navigational end users, with dual-fuel ECDIS units, supporting both S-57 and S-100 data formats, being deployed aboard ferry, defence and commercial shipping vessels.
“As the most comprehensive S-100 sea trials to date, this programme will provide valuable feedback on the production and implementation of S-100 data sets,” said UKHO head of technical partnerships Tom Mellor.
“Through direct engagement with end users and the wider hydrographic community, these trials will help us to ensure we are continuing to support the maritime sector as it prepares for the S-100 transition.”
Since August 2025, the UKHO has been working with Raymarine and DFDS to deploy S-100 ECDIS aboard Stena Vinga ferry for navigation from Portsmouth on the English south coast to St Helier.
“This new standard has the potential to optimise navigation, reduce fuel consumption, and provide a foundation for decision-making that incorporates area-specific biodiversity considerations,” said DFDS head of group sustainability Sofie Lindegaard.
“Enhanced data sets like S-100 can deliver tangible real-world benefits, and at DFDS, we are proud to contribute to a partnership that drives sustainable progress across our industry.”
These initial trials are supported by Portsmouth International Port and Ports of Jersey, who are providing high-fidelity bathymetric data to create S-100 data layers.
“By working with the UKHO as part of the IHO’s co-ordinated testbed framework, the lessons learned from these trials will form a significant contribution to international S-100 readiness,” said Shom head of geospatial product and services Nathalie Leidinger.
“To uphold the testbed’s principles of transparency and shared progress, we are committed to making these insights, and all trial data sets, widely accessible to organisations and professionals throughout the industry.”
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