e-Navigation and S-100 | Traficom
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Transport and Communications Agency

e-Navigation and S-100

e-Navigation and S-100 are key concepts in the development of the maritime sector, with the aim to improve safety, efficiency and environmental friendliness of shipping by utilising digital technology and standardized exchange of information.

e-Navigation

e-Navigation is a concept defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that aims at advancing the digitalisation of maritime and the use of electronic navigation technologies in seafaring.  As a concept, e-Navigation covers a wide variety of digital systems and services which aim to be easily available and efficiently used on vessels and on land. e-Navigation covers methods for collecting, integrating and exchanging information between different operators both on vessels and on land. 

More information through the link below:

e-Navigation on IMO's webpage

S-100

The S-100 is a framework for digital information exchange developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), under which different organisations define the interfaces and information models connected to maritime information exchange. S-100 is also defined as a general maritime information framework, i.e. a Common Maritime Data Structure (CMDS) within the IMO’s e-Navigation concept. 

S-100 defines the shared structures and formats for defining, processing and distributing maritime information.  With the S-100 Standard, maritime information from different sources can be integrated and presented in a unified manner in navigation systems. 

The objectives, phasing, and timelines of the S-100 implementation are defined in the IHO Roadmap for the S-100 Implementation Decade (2020–2030). You can find the latest version of the roadmap on IHO's webpage via the link below.

IHO S-100 implementation roadmap

New navigation products and services

Below are brief descriptions of the new S-100 data products. Official product specifications for the S-100 data models can be found on the website of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). 

The Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) is a vector-based digital chart product that provides a depiction of the real world necessary for safe navigation. It forms the foundation upon which many other S-100 data products can be overlaid. 

The ENC is designed for use in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and meets the requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. 

In Finland, the S-101 ENC is produced by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom. The S-101 ENC is intended to replace navigational chart products based on the older IHO S-57 standard. During the transition period, Traficom will continue to produce S-57-based products. Like S-57 products, S-101 ENCs will be distributed via a centralized Regional ENC Coordinating Center (RENC). 

S-100

The S-102 Bathymetric Surface is a digital elevation model representing the seabed or other water body floor in a regular grid structure. It is designed to support safe and efficient navigation by providing high-resolution depth data. When used alongside other S-100 data products, bathymetric surfaces aid operational decision-making for mariners. In addition to depth values, the product may include uncertainty data related to those measurements. 

In Finland, the S-102 is produced by Traficom and will be distributed via a centralized RENC distribution system in the future. 

S-102_jpg

S-102 bathymetric surface combined with  S-101 electronic navigational chart data.

S101+S102

The S-104 provides observed real-time water level data and forecasted water levels for the near future, presented in a grid format. Understanding changes in water levels is essential for route planning and navigation in port areas. The product can be used to refine depth information shown in S-101 (ENC) and S-102 (Bathymetric Surface) products. 

In Finland, the S-104 is produced by the Finnish Meteorological Institute. 

S-104

The S-111 Surface Currents presents a time series of surface water movement—direction and speed—in a grid format. Knowledge of surface currents is important for navigational safety and efficiency, as currents affect vessel movement. The information is based on observations or hydrodynamic modeling and can be used in conjunction with the S-101 ENC to enhance the product range for navigation. 

In Finland, the S-111 is produced by the Finnish Meteorological Institute. 

s-111

The S-122 presents Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and the restrictions associated with them. It includes information on the area delimitations of protected areas, protection categories and any prohibitions or special requirements that must be taken into account in navigation.

S-122 helps vessels identify sensitive marine environments and supports environmental protection. The product complements and refines the information presented on the Electronic Navigational Chart (S-101) and supports route planning and operations in areas where environmental protection obligations are essential. 

The S-123 Marine Radio Services provides consolidated information on radio communication services, including their locations, coverage areas, service types and frequencies in use. The product includes, for example, the locations of VHF and DSC stations, service areas, and any radio outages or operational restrictions.

S-123 supports safe and efficient communication by providing a clear and up-to-date overview of where and how radio services are available. It complements traditional nautical publications and other S-100 data products by ensuring that the availability of radio services forms part of the overall situational awareness. 

S-124 Navigational Warnings enhance navigation by enabling the direct presentation of maritime safety information in ECDIS systems. These warnings are critical for the safety of navigation required by the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea) to be distributed promptly. Traditionally, such warnings have been broadcast to ships as speech or text over radio. In the near future, the S-124 product is expected to become a core component of the digital navigational warning system, offering an alternative to conventional safety communication methods. 

In Finland, Traficom is responsible for navigational warnings, and the service is provided by Fintraffic. 

The S-125 Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) contains information on beacons, buoys and other physical and virtual aids that support navigation. The product covers both fixed and floating aids to navigation, including their locations, characteristics, visibility information and information on their operational status.

S-125 enables more detailed presentation of aids to navigation and their associated status information, such as fault reports. This improves situational awareness for vessels and supports safe navigation, particularly in busy or challenging waters. 

The S-127 Marine Traffic Management describes maritime traffic services and the related areas and structures. The product includes, for example, VTS and pilotage areas, traffic organisation schemes, routes and their associated recommendations, regulations and restrictions.

S-127 enhances situational awareness in areas where maritime traffic must be managed efficiently and proactively. It complements other S-100 data products by supporting the smooth and safe flow of maritime traffic and enabling more effective information exchange between vessels and authorities. 

The S-128 Catalogue of Nautical Products provides up-to-date information on available navigational charts, publications, and other S-100-based products, and e-navigation and online services. Its purpose is to simplify the discovery and acquisition of nautical products and services. The catalogue includes information such as coverage area, publication date, update status, and producers. The vector-based catalogue, compliant with the S-128 standard, can also be viewed within ECDIS. 

There is no single responsible organization for the S-128 catalogue; multiple providers can publish catalogues of their own products. 

Currently, Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) services are not in use in Finland or the Baltic Sea region. However, a description of the S-129 product is provided below for reference. 

The S-129 is designed to support information exchange between UKCM services and participating vessels, ensuring safe navigation in shallow water areas where such services are available. 

The product specification enables standardized vector-based information to be delivered from a UKCM service to a vessel’s navigation system, such as an ECDIS. The S-129 is typically used alongside the S-101 ENC, and where applicable, S-102 Bathymetric Surface and S-421 Route Plan products. 

The S-131 Marine Harbour Infrastructure describes port structures and arrangements, as well as the availability of port services.

S-131 supports navigation in port areas and the planning of routes and port calls. It complements the S-100 data framework by enabling the provision of more detailed information on ports. 

The Ice Information data product provides up-to-date information on ice conditions in sea areas. It includes information on ice thickness, ice type, ice movement and ice compression.

S-411 supports winter navigation by providing a view of the current ice situation. Displaying this information in a navigation system together with other S-100 data products supports safe and efficient navigation in changing conditions.

The data product describes marine weather and wave warnings as area-based information. Warnings are issued for wind, waves and icing, meaning conditions that may pose a threat to vessel safety.

S-412 helps users identify hazardous weather and sea conditions in good time. By displaying the information on an electronic navigational chart (S-101), users can clearly see warnings and risk areas and make decisions on route, speed and operations based on up-to-date information.

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