In July 2022, the UK Hydrographic Office #UKHO announced its intention to withdraw from producing paper charts in late 2026. Following consultations, the withdrawal of Standard Nautical Charts and Thematic Charts will be extended beyond 2026.

This was subject to the development of digital solutions for those remaining users of ADMIRALTY Standard Nautical Charts (SNCs) and Thematic Charts, ensuring that they have viable, official alternatives and meeting the technical and regulatory steps required to achieve this.

UKHO also made a commitment to consult closely and more widely with our UK and international stakeholders on this proposal and to listen to their feedback.

"We have met this promise, engaging with many groups and organisations in recent months, including our distributors, defence customers, commercial and leisure users, international regulatory authorities, and colleagues in the global hydrographic community"

These conversations have highlighted a number of important transnational and regulatory factors that need further consideration.

According to UKHO “it has become clear that more time is required to address the needs of those specific users who do not yet have viable alternatives to paper chart products, so we will continue to provide a paper chart service until at least 2030”.

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
added Peter Sparkes, UKHO Chief Executive.

Mr. Sparkes noted however that 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, UKHO will be extending the overall timetable for this process.

Please be assured that the elements of our paper chart portfolio necessary to support safe navigation for our customers will be maintained throughout this transitional period as we increase our focus on digital navigation products and services

Source: Safety4sea

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	Issue 83 of Robban Assafina (Jan./ Feb. 2023)