The Blue Economy to Offer New Dimensions
Is the hydrographic profession changing as a result of the new ways of communication and chart production? A joint FIG (Federation of Surveyors) and IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) workshop was held alongside Ocean Business on Tuesday 9 April aimed at setting a forward-looking strategy for the ‘Blue Economy’ and examining the combined views of both governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Supported by the UKHO (UK Hydrographic Office) and industry via the Maritime Alliance and IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association), the workshop looked at the combined need for maritime knowledge and at what industry and government are hoping to achieve over the next 3 to 8 years. The workshop highlighted EU initiatives, IMO standards and crowd-sourcing developments connected to standards and addressed the public versus private data ownership debate.
The idea behind this vision is that hydrography is more than just surveying and producing maps for safe navigation. An increased accessibility of ports – and therefore regions and countries – will stimulate the economy, create opportunities for people and professionals in areas that may be experiencing difficulties. By attracting maritime traffic, a related economy can flourish and create businesses and jobs.
Image, from left to right: Dr Michael Sutherland, FIG Comm 4, Mr Michael B Jones, President of Maritime Alliance, Mr Stephen Bennett, Mr Robert Ward, President, IHO, Mr Gordon Johnston, Chairman, Blue Economy
