19/02/2026
The International Maritime Organisation has made the new S-100 ECDIS standards legal to use. S-100 is the International Hydrographic Organization's (IHO) Universal Hydrographic Data Model, a modern framework enabling ECDIS to integrate diverse, dynamic marine data (like real-time tides, currents, bathymetry) beyond traditional charts, creating richer situational awareness, supporting e-navigation, and paving the way for autonomous shipping by replacing older standards like S-57 for future chart production (S-101).
The S-100 is the new Universal Hydrographic Model for conveying hydrographic information, built to leverage the technological advancements and offer better and often real-time data for mariners.
The new standards are designed for:
· Increased safety
· Enhanced efficiency
· Optimised loading capacity
· Reduced environmental impact
The new standards allow ECDIS systems to display multiple layers of information at the same time without cluttering the screens or impacting crew workflows.
Vessel operators have a transition period till January 2029, after which it becomes mandatory for all ECDIS systems to follow the new framework.
Are your ECDIS systems ready for the transition? Talk to our team at Maritronics to upgrade your ECDIS systems and offer your crew members the latest available tech to navigate safely and efficiently.
