International Hydrographic Organization IHO

26/10/2026

WORLD MARITIME DAY 2026 – BUSAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA

An inspiring first day at the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event, jointly hosted by the IMO and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”, Korea’s vision of maritime innovation, digitalization and sustainability meets IMO Secretary-General’s commitment to translating global regulations into effective implementation.

Session 1 highlighted governments’ responsibilities, while Session 2, in which IHO Secretary-General Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi demonstrated the essential contribution of IGOs and NGOs through international cooperation, technical expertise and partnerships.

The IHO Secretary-General central message was clear: cooperation is not an option, but a necessity. The complementary roles of IMO, IHO and IALA are fundamental to delivering interoperable digital maritime services, advancing the S-100 transition, and ensuring safer navigation worldwide.

This reflects the strategic understanding reached with IMO in London on 30 September, where we reaffirmed our shared determination to strengthen institutional cooperation and turn common standards into operational results.

A pleasure to reinforce this commitment here in Busan, together with Secretary-General Dominguez and IMO Secretary-General Emeritus Kitack Lim, moderator of Session 2.

One maritime community, one shared vision: turning cooperation into action.



International Maritime Organization - IMO | IALA | 대한민국 해양수산부

22/10/2026

📣 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Masters Degree in Hydrographic Science 🎒🌊

Would you like to advance your education and get a fully-funded Masters degree from the U.S.A?

The IHO is inviting nominations for the 15th IHO-Republic of Korea cohort of the MSc in Hydrographic Science at The University of Southern Mississippi. Funding is available for up to two students to attend the course.

Starting in August 2027, this IBSC-recognised Category “A” programme combines advanced technical learning with practical experience and the opportunity to build expertise alongside peers from around the globe.

Candidates must:
🏢Work for a national hydrographic office, maritime authority, or related national agency.
🗺 Hold a relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
💬Demonstrate proficiency in English.
🌐Have strong mathematics, physics and computing skills.

Full eligibility criteria and application details can be found at:https://iho.int/uploads/user/circular_letters/eng_2026/CL54_2026_EN_v1.pdf

The deadline for applications is 3 January 2027 🚨

This opportunity is funded thanks to the support of the Republic of Korea through the IHO Capacity Development Fund.



국립해양조사원 / Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency

20/10/2026

IHO Council Advances Strategic Priorities 🌊🌐

The first meeting of the new IHO Council took place last week in Monaco, where participants met in order to translate strategic ambitions into concrete actions.

Topics included:
🤝Strengthening international cooperation and participation
🗺Transitioning to the next generation of electronic navigation data services.
🌎Recognising those who advance hydrography around the world
➕ and more…

The Council welcomed its new leadership: Mr Magnus Wallhagen of Sweden as Chair, Vice Admiral Dr Budi Purwanto of Indonesia as Vice-Chair, and IHO Secretary-General Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi as Council Secretary.

🔗 Read the full article to find out more about the outcomes of the meeting: https://iho.int/en/new-iho-council-sets-priorities-for-2026-2029



Sjöfartsverket | Gouvernement Monaco | General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans

Representatives from 38 countries gathered in Monaco and online for the first meeting of the new International Hydrographic Organization Council. With new Council members, a new leadership team and a new IHO Strategic Plan, the meeting focused on translating strategic ambitions into concrete actions...

15/10/2026

New GEBCO Secretariat 🏛️ 🎉

H.S.H. Prince Albert II inaugurated the new GEBCO Secretariat in the presence of IHO Member States attending Council yesterday.

The establishment of this permanent base reflects GEBCO's growing international profile and its increasingly important role in coordinating efforts to map the world's ocean floor. 🗺️

GEBCO’s origins go back to the beginning of the twentieth century, when the international scientific community realized the need for standardized ocean data. Nowadays, GEBCO is widely recognized as the leading international authority on ocean floor mapping.

The opening of the Secretariat marks an important new chapter in the history of ocean studies and exploration and supports a better understanding of the ocean for the benefit of science, society, and sustainable development. 🌱

🔗 To know more, read the full article here: https://iho.int/en/new-secretariat-to-coordinate-ocean-mapping-is-inaugurated



General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans | Gouvernement Monaco | Palais Princier de Monaco - Prince's Palace of Monaco | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO

The new Secretariat for a global programme to coordinate efforts to map the ocean floor was officially inaugurated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and IHO Council participants on 13 October 2026.

13/10/2026

New Period. New Council. New Strategy 🌊 🏛

Representatives from 28 IHO Member States are gathering in Monaco this week for the first meeting of the new IHO Council which will sit for the period 2026 –2029.

Key topics to be discussed include:
🗺 Progress in S-100 implementation
🔒 The IHO Data Protection Scheme for ENC Production
💪 Strengthening relationships with international partners
➕ And much more!

The new Council also welcomes a new chair team with Mr. Magnus Wallhagen (Sweden) serving as Chair, Vice Admiral Budi Purwanto (Indonesia) as Vice-Chair, and Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi (IHO Secretary-General) as Council Secretary.

The Council monitors progress on decisions agreed upon by all Member States during Assembly and provides an annual forum for countries to come together, discuss the Work Programme for the coming year, and monitor progress in implementation.



General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans | Gouvernement Monaco | Sjöfartsverket

12/10/2026

GEBCO brings together the global ocean mapping community in Colombia 🗺 🌊

Representatives of government, the private sector, academia and all ocean data enthusiasts gathered in Cartagena de Indias for the 43rd GEBCO Guiding Committee Meeting (GGC43) and GEBCO Symposium last week.

Participants discussed the latest developments in mapping technologies and data integration, technology and the role of seabed mapping in supporting ocean science, governance and sustainability.

The symposium followed the 43rd meeting of the GEBCO Guiding Committee, where members addressed governance and strategic priorities, ocean data sharing, GEBCO products, and future work planning including GEBCO's potential role in supporting the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

GEBCO is a joint programme of the International Hydrographic Organization IHO and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. Hosted thanks to the support of DIMAR Colombia, the week highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing our knowledge of the global ocean floor.



Dirección General Marítima | General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans

02/10/2026

The IHO reinforces ties with the International Maritime Organization - IMO ⚓️🌊

IHO Secretary-General Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi and IHO Director John Nyberg met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez and the Director of the IMO Maritime Safety Division Damien Chevallier during a visit to the IMO headquarters in London.

They discussed how both organisations could cooperate more closely to lead the global transition to S-100, with greater involvement of the shipping industry, while ensuring no developing coastal states are left behind. They also considered shared priorities and how to engage directly with end-users, including pilots, mariners and port authorities.

Rear Admiral Sinapi reiterated the IHO’s commitment to fulfilling the S-100 implementation roadmap and supporting the transition from S-57 to S-100.

The meeting reaffirmed the dedication of both organisations to ensuring safety at sea, e-Navigation and interoperable ocean data.

29/09/2026

🌊 Journées européennes du patrimoine 2026 🌊

Comment explore-t-on les profondeurs de l'océan au XXIe siècle ? Entre drones sous-marins, technologies numériques de pointe et techniques héritées de plusieurs siècles de navigation, l’Organisation hydrographique internationale vous ouvre exceptionnellement ses portes.

Venez découvrir le dessous des cartes et comprendre comment traditions et innovations s’unissent pour révéler un monde encore largement inexploré ! Ceux qui le souhaitent pourront aussi tester leurs connaissances du monde aquatique et tenter de gagner de nombreux lots en participant à un « Quiz de l’océan ».

📍 4b, quai Antoine Ier, Monaco
📅 Dimanche 4 octobre 2026
🕙 Visites à 10h00, 11h00, 14h00, 15h00 et 16h00.
🏛 Entrée libre ou sur réservation au +377 93 10 81 00 / [email protected]



Gouvernement Monaco | Palais Princier de Monaco - Prince's Palace of Monaco

28/09/2026

What is the link between ocean data sharing and the Law of the Sea? 🌊⚖️

Reliable open-access ocean data is essential for the implementation and evolution of the Law of the Sea, from the delineation of maritime zones and continental shelf extensions to the protection of marine biodiversity.

As new instruments and challenges emerge, it is essential that science, technology and law continue to work together.

The ABLOS seminar on "Oceanic Data Sharing and the Law of the Sea", brought together 70 participants in person and over 323 participants remotely from 60 countries worldwide. The seminar aimed to address this increasingly important issue for ocean governance through a thematic panel, case studies and panel discussions.

Speakers included the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Navy, Rear Admiral António Correia, Director of the Portuguese Hydrographic Office, Rear Admiral David Pereira, Coordinator of the National Committee for theUN Ocean Decade, Luis Menezes Pinheiro, and Chairperson of the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, Aldino Campos.

The seminar followed the 33rd IHO/IAG ABLOS Business Meeting, where the Joint IAG-IHO Advisory Board on the Law of the Sea met to review its work and plan ahead, including preparations for the 13th ABLOS Conference in 2027.

Hosted by the Hydrographic Institute of the Portuguese Navy.

Hidrográfico | International Association of Geodesy | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO | Oceano Azul Foundation | Marinha Portuguesa

The IHO Secretariat was represented by Director Adam Greenland and Assistant Director Leonel Manteigas.

25/09/2026

The yachting community is uniquely positioned to help increase ocean knowledge. 🌍🚤

Privately owned yachts and ships can become active contributors to global ocean mapping. Using equipment already on board, these vessels can collect and share crowdsourced depth data that supports safer navigation, scientific research, and a healthier Blue Economy.

During the Monaco Yacht Show, the International SeaKeepers Society and the IHO signed a letter of cooperation to join forces and grow this movement, encouraging yacht owners and captains to contribute valuable ocean depth data and join the mission to produce the definitive map of the ocean floor by 2030.



The International SeaKeepers Society | General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans | Seabed 2030 | Monaco Yacht Show