united kingdom hydrographic office

Name

united kingdom hydrographic office

Legal name

United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

Website

https://ukho.gov.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1795

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hydrographic and Marine Geospatial Data Services

NAICS

Navigational Services to Shipping (488330), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Nautical Safety, Navigation Aids & Hydrographic Services (TLAHAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar, GNSS, AIS) (IMAJAJAE), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI), Marine Surveying, Inspection & Claims (EDAOANAO)

Keywords

• Hydrographic data services
• Nautical chart production
• Marine geospatial data
• Digital navigation services
• Electronic navigational charts

Headquarters

HQ city

Taunton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Admiralty Products and Services Sales: Self-funded through the sale of Admiralty products and services including digital charts, raster chart service, digital publications, paper charts, and nautical publications. Revenue supports delivery of public task at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
2. Licensing and Intellectual Property: Licensing of Admiralty data and products to commercial companies for navigation, non-navigation, educational or research purposes. Licensees range from commercial companies to individuals.
3. Data Services and APIs: Revenue from marine data access through APIs, data portals, and specialized tidal services for commercial and government customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The UK Hydrographic Office collects, processes and shares marine geospatial data from seabed to surface and converts it into the Admiralty portfolio of navigational products and services, including digital vector and raster charts, digital nautical publications, paper charts, tide tables, and tidal and astronomical data. The organisation serves as Primary Charting Authority for 63 coastal states and supports SOLAS-compliant navigation, with over 90% of large internationally trading ships carrying Admiralty products on board.

Product overview

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) operates the Admiralty portfolio of maritime navigation products and services—the world's most comprehensive range of marine geospatial information. The portfolio follows a platform-plus-services architecture centred on the Admiralty Vector Chart Service (AVCS) and Admiralty Raster Chart Service (ARCS) as the core digital chart services, supplemented by Admiralty Digital Publications (ADP) including the Admiralty Digital List of Lights, Admiralty Digital Radio Signals, Admiralty TotalTide, Admiralty e-Nautical Publications, Admiralty Digital Sailing Directions, and NavPac. Supporting paper chart products include Standard Nautical Charts and the Admiralty Small Craft Chart Service, alongside traditional nautical publications (Admiralty Sailing Directions, Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals, Admiralty List of Radio Signals, Admiralty Tide Tables, Admiralty Mariner's Handbook, Ocean Passages for the World). The Admiralty Digital Catalogue and Admiralty S-100 Data Catalogue provide cataloguing and discovery services. Safety-critical services include Notices to Mariners, Radio Navigational Warnings, Hydrographic Notes, and the S-100 Service for next-generation IHO S-100 standards including S-102 Bathymetric Surface. The ADMIRALTY Marine Data Portal provides data access alongside dedicated services for seabed mapping, tidal data, astronomical data, and the 2022-launched UK Centre for Seabed Mapping initiative. UKHO supports defence operations through Additional Military Layers and specialist ENC products for the Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Admiralty Vector Chart Service (AVCS): Digital chart service providing Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) for maritime navigation
• Admiralty Raster Chart Service
• Admiralty Digital Publications
• Admiralty TotalTide
• UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM)
• HM Nautical Almanac Office
• VORF (Vertical Offshore Reference Frame)

Products and services

• Admiralty Vector Chart Service (AVCS) Comprehensive digital chart service providing Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) for SOLAS-compliant maritime navigation, delivered with weekly updates via internet or DVD.
• Admiralty Raster Chart Service (ARCS) Digital raster chart service providing scanned paper chart imagery for vessels requiring raster format compatibility alongside AVCS.
• Admiralty Vector Chart Service Online Web-based access to Admiralty vector charts for passage planning and reference use.
• Admiralty Digital List of Lights Digital reference covering lights, fog signals and light structures worldwide for mariners.
• Admiralty Digital Radio Signals Digital reference covering maritime radio communications, GMDSS and radio services information.
• Admiralty TotalTide Digital tidal prediction software combining Admiralty tide tables with advanced tidal analysis capabilities.
• Admiralty e-Nautical Publications (AENP) Electronic nautical publications providing essential reference information for mariners in digital format.
• Admiralty Digital Sailing Directions Digital version of sailing directions providing detailed coastal passage planning information for mariners.
• NavPac and Compact Data (DP330) Astronomical data package for marine navigation including ephemerides and sight reduction tables.
• Standard Nautical Charts Traditional paper nautical charts covering global shipping routes and coastal waters.
• Admiralty Small Craft Chart Service Chart service specifically designed for smaller vessels and coastal cruising.
• Admiralty Sailing Directions Written descriptions of coastal areas, ports and harbours for voyage planning.
• Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals Comprehensive reference of navigational lights, fog signals and light structures worldwide.
• Admiralty List of Radio Signals Reference publication covering maritime radio services, communications and GMDSS information.
• Admiralty Tide Tables Annual tide prediction tables for UK and international waters.
• Admiralty Mariner's Handbook (NP100) Essential reference guide for mariners covering navigation practices and procedures.
• Ocean Passages for the World (NP136) Reference guide for planning ocean passages with routing information and distance tables.
• Admiralty Digital Catalogue Digital catalogue enabling search and ordering of Admiralty charts and publications.
• Admiralty S-100 Data Catalogue Catalogue for S-100 compliant products and data sets under the new IHO S-100 framework.
• S-100 Service Next-generation digital services based on IHO S-100 universal hydrographic data model standards, including S-101 ENC and S-102 Bathymetric Surface.
• ADMIRALTY Marine Data Portal Online portal providing access to marine geospatial data including bathymetry, tidal data and seabed mapping information.
• Notices to Mariners Weekly notifications of chart corrections and updates essential for navigation safety under SOLAS conventions.
• Radio Navigational Warnings Immediate broadcast warnings of navigationally significant hazards for at-sea vessels.
• Hydrographic Notes System for mariners and port authorities to report navigational dangers and chart discrepancies to UKHO.
• UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM) Collaborative initiative coordinating seabed mapping data collection, management and access across 30+ UK public sector organisations.
• Seabed Mapping Services Bathymetric survey data collection and processing services for seabed mapping and characterisation.
• Tidal Data Services Tidal predictions, observations and analysis services for safe navigation.
• Astronomical Data Services Astronomical data services delivered by the HM Nautical Almanac Office for navigation and timekeeping.
• File Share Service Internet-based service for AVCS customers to download weekly electronic updates and software files.
• VORF (Vertical Offshore Reference Frame) National vertical reference frame for offshore and coastal data in UK waters.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 90% of large ships trading internationally carry Admiralty products on board
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration15 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ADMIRALTY DistributorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal network of authorized distributors selling Admiralty navigation products and services primarily to regulated SOLAS ships. Distributors receive training, access to commercial programmes, weekly e-newsletters, access to Technical and Product Working Groups, invitations to conferences and events, and co-branding opportunities.
• Port of London AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on S-102 Bathymetric Surface sea trials - UK's first S-100 sea trial. Jointly conducted real-world testing with pilots to understand user requirements and collect feedback for S-100 data standard development.
• NorthStandardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on S-100 simulator trials in Athens, Greece. NorthStandard facilitated trials and provided maritime risk insight to ensure S-100 development supports safe and effective use.
• Minerva MarineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShip operator participating in S-100 simulator trials with tanker fleet, providing real-world commercial navigation feedback on S-100 performance.
• Angelicoussis GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShip operator participating in S-100 simulator trials with LNG and dry bulk fleets, providing feedback on S-100 data layer performance across vessel types.
• Royal NavycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUKHO works closely with Royal Navy and global allies to ensure best maritime geospatial information is available for safety and operational decision-making around home waters, national infrastructure, international trade routes and world's oceans.
• Government of MontserratminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOverseas Territories Seabed Mapping Programme (OTSMP) supporting Montserrat's hydrographic understanding, sustainable economic growth, safe maritime operations and climate protection. UKHO collects hydrographic data with Royal Navy assistance.
• British Geological SurveycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK CSM member contributing seabed geology programme data. Data underpins fundamental science for seabed conservation and marine environment management.
• Ministry of DefencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK CSM member engaged in seabed mapping, military activities, and hydrographic survey for navigation and maritime security.
• Maritime and Coastguard AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK CSM member supporting hydrographic survey, maritime transport, coastal management and marine conservation applications.
• National Oceanography CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK CSM member contributing to oceanography research, hydrographic survey and marine ecosystem science applications.
• Port and Harbour AuthoritiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUKHO collaborates with port and harbour authorities through Port Agreements to share bathymetric data, support safe navigation, and maintain official Admiralty products in UK waters.
• International Hydrographic OrganizationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUKHO represents the UK internationally and works with IHO to develop S-100 standards and advance seabed mapping globally.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine (SHOM): SHOM is France's national hydrographic office under the French Navy, performing primary charting for French overseas territories. It is directly comparable to UKHO in terms of defence-linked governance structure, Primary Charting Authority role, ENC production, and international shipping compliance mandate.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coast Survey: NOAA's Office of Coast Survey is the US hydrographic authority producing nautical charts for American waters. It is the closest functional peer to UKHO, sharing the same regulatory mandate under SOLAS, primary charting authority status for US coastal states, and overlap in ENC and raster chart products serving international shipping.
• Australian Hydrographic Office: Operated under the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Hydrographic Office is a defence-affiliated primary charting authority producing digital and paper charts for Australian waters. Comparable to UKHO in scope, governance model, and SOLAS-mandated product portfolio.
• Norwegian Mapping Authority - Hydrographic Service: Norway's hydrographic service operates as the Primary Charting Authority for Norway, producing ENCs and nautical publications comparable to UKHO's Admiralty range. Both serve major international shipping markets and share S-100 standards development through IHO membership.

Emerging players

• IIC Technologies: IIC Technologies provides hydrographic survey, digital chart production, and marine data services for national hydrographic offices and commercial clients globally. It is a partial competitor in chart production and a partner for many Primary Charting Authorities, including overlap with UKHO's data services.
• Fugro: Fugro is a major private hydrographic, geotechnical, and seabed survey company providing high-resolution bathymetric data services. While not a chart authority, Fugro is an increasingly important upstream data supplier and potential partner/competitor to UKHO in seabed mapping and marine geospatial data markets.
• ChartWorld GmbH: ChartWorld operates an ECDIS chart management and route planning platform and is listed as an ECDIS integration partner for AVCS. It is an adjacent commercial player in digital chart services that overlaps with UKHO's downstream distribution to the maritime shipping market.

Others

• Teledyne CARIS: Teledyne CARIS provides hydrographic data processing software and workflow tools used by hydrographic offices and surveyors worldwide, including by UKHO. It is an enabling technology supplier to the hydrographic chart production ecosystem rather than a direct chart competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Jeppesen (Boeing): Jeppesen, a Boeing subsidiary, provides commercial maritime and aviation charts and digital navigation solutions. It operates as a broader incumbent in the navigation data space, competing with Admiralty products in commercial shipping ECDIS subscriptions while serving adjacent aviation markets.
• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Maritime Safety Office: NGA's Maritime Safety Office produces and distributes official US government charts, publications, and navigational warnings globally. It operates at a similar scale to UKHO within the US defence and intelligence ecosystem and serves as a counterpart for international shipping SOLAS compliance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AdmiraltyTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/ADMIRALTYOnline
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-kingdom-hydrographic-office

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about united kingdom hydrographic office