UKHO Provides Enhanced Chart Coverage of Brazil

Following an assessment of modern AIS data, the UKHO will continue to re-scheme its charting coverage in Brazilian waters to reflect the modern requirements of international shipping. The improved coverage will also include a selection of Port Approach Guides, which are new products to assist mariners when entering the ports. This improvement is only possible due to the bilateral arrangement between the UKHO and the Brazilian Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (DHN).

The upgraded portfolio will include 23 Standard Navigational Charts (both New Editions and New Charts) and nine Port Approach Guides to provide the mariner with additional port specific information to assist with voyage planning, including harbour regulations, Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) details, principle lights and landmarks and more.

Brazil is recognised as one of the most important destinations for the international mariner and the improved coverage is a result of feedback from users and customer demand for a better service.  In a new innovation, the re-schemed coverage of Brazilian waters has also been led by an AIS data-led assessment of the shipping routes and locations where the need for updated coverage would be most beneficial.

Nick Dekkers, Product Manager - Charts at the UKHO commented to be extremely appreciative of the continuous support from the Diretoria de Hidrografia e Navegação (DHN).  As well as being one of the world’s leading shipping hubs, Brazil’s ports are undergoing significant modernisation and expansion and UKHO and DHN can continue to ensure that customers of ADMIRALTY Nautical Products & Services have access to the most up to date and accurate information.

The growth of the Brazilian economy on the world stage is matched by the growth in traffic at Brazil’s ports. UKHO research reveals over 40 ports and terminals in Brazil are handling in excess of 11,500 different large commercial ships and more than 45,500 voyages in an average year. This ranks Brazil as the world’s sixth busiest shipping nation. The ports of Rio de Janeiro and Santos already rank among the world’s top 50 ports, as measured by unique traffic, and the first two Port Approach Guides for Brazil to be published by the UKHO in early 2015 will cover these locations. 

Full details of the UKHO’s portfolio of products for Brazil can be obtained from any ADMIRALTY Chart Agent.