In late 2024, the member states of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) adopted the first set of operational standards for S-100 navigation products and services. This milestone paves the way for the development of official products and services based on these standards, enabling authorities to provide seafarers with more up-to-date and high-quality information.
The introduction of S-100 products will elevate maritime navigation, enhancing safety and efficiency in shipping while delivering environmental and economic benefits. In addition to Traficom and the Finnish Meteorological Institute, other authorities are also expected to develop and publish various S-100 products and services in the future.
The approved product specifications will guide Finland’s efforts in developing new navigation products. The standards were approved for the S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts and S-102 Bathymetric Surface depth models, both set to be published by Traficom in early 2026. Additionally, specifications for S-104 Water Level Information for Surface Navigation and S-111 Surface Currents were approved. The Finnish Meteorological Institute is expected to release these products within the same timeframe. A fifth product, S-129 Under Keel Clearance Management, was also approved and will be introduced at a later stage as part of the transition to next-generation digital navigation.
The S-100 framework encompasses a wide range of navigation products and services. Within the IHO, work continues on the next set of specifications, including S-124 Navigational Warnings and S-128 Catalogue of Nautical Products, both expected to be adopted in the first half of 2025.
Further information
For more details on e-navigation and S-100 products, visit the Traficom website (External link) or read the IHO news article Major Milestone Achieved in Transition to Smart Navigation with Operational Editions of S-100 Standards (External link)