The UKHO plans to withdraw the portfolio of ADMIRALTY Standard Nautical Charts (SNCs) and Thematic Charts in response to more marine, naval and leisure users primarily using digital products and services for navigation.

The phased withdrawal of paper charts from production will take place over a number of years and is anticipated to conclude in late 2026. 

ICS envisages there could be problems for vessels operating paper folios due to the discrepancy in the SOLAS chapter V requirements. ECIDS is mandated on vessels over 3000GT, however SOLAS applies to vessels over 500GT. This discrepancy could lead to de facto mandatory ECDIS carriage on all SOLAS vessels.

Members are requested to note the above and provide any comments to Gregor Stevens, ICS Senior Manager Nautical, (Gregor.stevens@ics-shipping.org)  with copy to the undersigned.