Member States Gather in Monaco for the IHO Council Meeting

A major focus of the meeting was the transformation in the way ocean information is produced and shared, driven by the upcoming implementation of the S-100 framework in January 2026. Representing a major technological leap, S-100 will revolutionize the management and use of ocean data.

“Thanks to S-100, we will go from static data to dynamic information systems. This in turn will have a profound effect on how we produce and distribute ocean data."

- Magnus Wallhagen, Chair of the IHO Hydrographic Services and Standards Committee.

Under the new framework, users will be able to access near real-time data on tides, currents, weather forecasts, and harbour information, in addition to the base layers of depth and coastlines. Such integrated, dynamic information will help optimize ship voyages - saving time, fuel, and resources, while reducing emissions and enhancing navigational safety.

During the meeting, participants received updates on the progress of S-100 implementation, including collaboration with other Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) such as the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO, for instance, is developing marine weather overlays to provide dynamic information on ice conditions, weather, and waves.

In support of Member States wishing to test new systems ahead of implementation, the Council approved the Guidelines for IHO S-100 Sea Trial Areas. These guidelines establish a framework for conducting real-world trials of S-100-based products and services, outlining minimum requirements, expected outcomes, and reporting procedures. An official IHO S-100 Sea Trial Area is a designated maritime zone where datasets and services are evaluated under operational conditions.

In parallel, the Council endorsed two new S-100 Sea Trial Areas, proposed respectively by Australia and France/United Kingdom.

The Council also discussed the proposal for establishing an IHO Infrastructure Centre in Korea, which would support Member States in implementing S-100. The IHO Secretariat was tasked with finalizing the proposal for review and decision by all Member States during the 4th Session of the IHO Assembly, to be held in Monaco in April 2026.

Further discussions included a call from Thomas Dehling, Chair of the Inter-Regional Coordination Committee (IRCC), for participants to join the IHO e-Learning Centre Steering Committee. He also encouraged Member States to nominate candidates for upcoming training courses, emphasizing that opportunities are open to participants from both developing and developed countries.

The IHO Council plays a pivotal role in monitoring the progress of actions agreed upon by all Member States during the Assembly. It provides a vital platform for Members and Observers to exchange views, review progress, and coordinate future activities.

“The Council has adopted an indispensable role to reflect progress, to formulate ambitions, and to run the IHO between Assemblies.”
- Dr Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General of the IHO.

The Council is currently chaired by Ms. Pia Dahl Højgaard, National Hydrographer of Denmark.

For more information about the meeting and its outcomes, please visit the IHO website: https://iho.int/en/iho-council