Cross-border UKHO-Shom trials lay groundwork for S-100 implementation

As the maritime community steadily moves towards the next generation of digital navigation, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom) are taking a decisive step forward. The two organizations have launched an international sea trials programme that will serve as a proving ground for the emerging S-100 data standards.

This joint effort marks the most comprehensive test of S-100 to date and forms an integral part of the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) coordinated testbed. Throughout the trials, UKHO and Shom will gather evidence to support both safety and efficiency use cases, while offering practical guidance on implementing the S-100 data framework that is set to shape the future of maritime navigation. The resulting insights will help strengthen global readiness and promote alignment on the creation and harmonization of S-100 data standards across borders.

The programme will also unite a broad group of ECDIS and portable pilot unit manufacturers – among them Raymarine, Furuno, Navtor, OSI Maritime Systems, Seall ECDIS and SEAiq. By working side by side, these industry players can closely assess how S-100 data layers interact in real operational settings. This collaborative approach will provide valuable direction for refining interoperability and for shaping the next generation of S-100-ready display systems.

Six interoperable S-100 data layers

During the trials, six interoperable S-100 data layers – Electronic Navigational Charts (S-101), bathymetric surface (S-102), water levels (S-104), surface currents (S-111), navigational warnings (S-124) and 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 datasets. 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,” commented Thomas Mellor, head of technical partnerships, UKHO.

Ideal test environment

Since August 2025, the UKHO has been working with Raymarine and DFDS to deploy an S-100 ECDIS aboard the Stena Vinga ferry for navigation from Portsmouth on the south coast of England, across the English Channel to St. Helier in Jersey. These initial trials are being supported by Portsmouth International Port and Ports of Jersey, who are providing new, high-fidelity bathymetric data to create S-100 data layers.

The international cross-border trial will follow a route from St. Helier to Saint-Malo, France, in early 2026. The route was selected due to its tidal constraints, cross-border waters and operational challenges, providing the ideal environment to test the capabilities of S-100 standards and coordination between partners. This includes evaluating how national hydrographic offices can successfully collaborate to compile and align comprehensive port and boundary data for conversion into S-100 datasets.

“By working with the UKHO as part of the IHO’s coordinated testbed framework, the lessons learned from these trials will form a significant contribution to international S-100 readiness. To uphold the testbed’s principles of transparency and shared progress, we are committed to making these insights, and all trial datasets, widely accessible to organizations and professionals throughout the industry,” said Nathalie Leidinger, head of the geospatial services programme.

Each trial will contribute to the IHO’s efforts to validate data standards and address operational use cases across key maritime routes and partnerships. By directly engaging end users throughout the programme, the UKHO and Shom are working to ensure all S-100 guidance is grounded in real-world experience and that data and products are fit for purpose before wider release.

Shared S-100 trial data

To enable the industry to learn from, evaluate and build on this work, all data collected during the trials will be shared with the maritime community. This will include feedback across several areas, including IHO standards, ECDIS usability and hydrographic office data. S-100 trial datasets will also be made publicly available by the UKHO and Shom to provide users with a preview of the S-100 data framework in operation.

“DFDS is proud to support the UKHO’s S-100 sea trials in collaboration with the crew of Stena Vinga on our Portsmouth-Jersey route. This new standard has the potential to optimize navigation, reduce fuel consumption and provide a foundation for decision making that incorporates area-specific biodiversity considerations. Enhanced datasets such as 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,” said Sofie Lindegaard, head of group sustainability, DFDS.

Grégorie Outters, general manager of Raymarine: “Being at the forefront of innovation is core to Raymarine’s mission. These S-100 sea trials represent a critical stage in the development of maritime navigation, and we are proud to play a leading role in shaping that future. By actively contributing to the development and validation of S-100 standards, we are ensuring that end users benefit from systems designed to deliver unparalleled clarity and interoperability.”