Global hydrographic community to gather in Monaco for pivotal International Hydrographic Organization Assembly

Held every three years, Assembly is the Organization’s principal decision-making body. Delegates from the 104 Member States, together with observers from international organizations, will meet to review global progress in hydrography and set priorities for the next triennium. The 2026 Assembly will be particularly significant as it includes the election of the Secretary-General and Director who will lead the Organization in the years ahead.

The Assembly will open on Monday 20 April in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. His Serene Highness will also present the prestigious Prince Albert I Medal for Hydrography, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field.

The official sessions will be chaired by Michel Amafo of Suriname and will also mark the formal welcome of new Member States to the global hydrographic community, including Cabo Verde, Kiribati, The Gambia, Lithuania, The Bahamas, and Panama, whose flags will be presented during the opening ceremony.

Showcasing innovation in hydrography and ocean exploration

Alongside the official proceedings, a Member State and Industry Exhibition will highlight technological advances and international initiatives in hydrography, ocean mapping, and maritime services.

Among the featured technologies, Exail will present its DriX O-16, a new transoceanic uncrewed surface vehicle with full ocean depth mapping capability, which can operate autonomously for up to 30 days with a range of 3,500 nautical miles.

The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project will also display the Bathysphere, an interactive globe allowing visitors to visualize global seabed mapping data and explore progress toward the ambitious goal of mapping the entire ocean floor.

Several countries have announced the presence of research and naval vessels in Monaco during the Assembly week. The United States is expected to send the 110-metre oceanographic survey ship USNS Marie Tharp, while Italy has confirmed the participation of the 152-metre destroyer Caio Duilio.

Focus on the future of navigation and ocean mapping

On Wednesday 22 April, the Assembly will host a special thematic session dedicated to two key topics shaping the future of maritime operations and ocean knowledge.

The Smart Navigation session will explore how digital technologies, maritime services, and international cooperation are transforming navigation. Speakers will include:

• Nathalie Balcaen, CEO of the Flemish Maritime and Coastal Services
• Bernice Mahabier of the Maritime Authority Suriname
• Erik Eklund, Director General, Swedish Maritime Administration presenting the Baltic Sea e-Navigation project
• Antonio Di Lieto, Carnival Corporation & plc Group Center for Simulator Maritime Training

The Ocean Mapping session will highlight the global effort to better understand the seabed. Speakers will include:

• Victor Vescovo, CEO of Caladan Oceanic
• Joanna Post, Head of Ocean Observations and Services at UNESCO

Reflecting the importance of international partnerships, the IHO will also sign cooperation agreements with the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and ProtectedSeas during the Assembly.

For the first time, both the Opening Ceremony and the Thematic Session will be broadcast live on the IHO YouTube channel, enabling audiences worldwide to follow the discussions.

Media accreditation

Journalists wishing to cover the event are invited to request media accreditation for the following sessions:

• Opening Ceremony: Monday 20 April, 10:00–12:00
• Thematic Session: Wednesday 22 April, 14:00–17:00

Accredited media will have the opportunity to report on the Assembly’s key discussions, interview international experts, and explore exhibitions featuring the latest advances in hydrography and ocean mapping.

Media enquiries and accreditation requests:

Sarah Jones Couture

Public Relations & Communication Officer

prco@iho.int