UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) Company Profile

Background

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is a world-leading centre for hydrography, delivering marine geospatial data and expertise to support safe, secure, and thriving oceans. As an executive agency of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), UKHO operates as a trading fund, meaning it is self-funded through the sales of its products and services, operating at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

UKHO's mission is to provide accurate and reliable marine geospatial information and expertise, supporting defence, safe maritime navigation, and marine development around the UK and worldwide. Its vision is to be a world-leading marine geospatial information agency and hydrographic office.

Key Strategic Focus

UKHO's strategic focus encompasses:

Safe Navigation: Delivering quality, innovative maritime navigation solutions through its ADMIRALTY portfolio, relied upon by over 90% of large ships trading internationally.

Defence Support: Providing operational support to the Royal Navy and other defence customers, ensuring safety and security in maritime operations.

Marine Geospatial Data: Sourcing, processing, and publishing hydrographic and marine geospatial data from seabed to surface and beyond, supporting various marine activities.

International Collaboration: Representing the UK government internationally as an authority on hydrography and seabed mapping, fulfilling charting responsibilities for 63 coastal states as their Primary Charting Authority.

Financials and Funding

As a trading fund of the MOD, UKHO operates on a self-funding basis. In the 2017 to 2018 tax year, UKHO's paper and digital products and services generated a turnover of £151.6 million, enabling a £19.1 million dividend to the MOD.

Pipeline Development

UKHO continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, including:

ADMIRALTY Maritime Data Solutions: A comprehensive range of navigational products and services, including over 15,750 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), 3,500 Standard Nautical Charts, and more than 200 paper and digital publications.

Digital Transformation: Transitioning from traditional paper charts to digital solutions, enhancing the accessibility and usability of its products.

Technological Platform and Innovation

UKHO leverages advanced technologies and methodologies to maintain its industry leadership:

Hydrographic Surveying: Utilizing cutting-edge survey techniques and technologies to collect and process hydrographic data.

Marine Geospatial Data Management: Employing sophisticated data processing and analysis tools to manage vast datasets, supporting various marine activities.

Digital Product Development: Developing digital products and services to meet the evolving needs of mariners and other stakeholders.

Leadership Team

UKHO's leadership team includes:

Vanessa Blake: Interim Chief Executive, leading the organization in delivering its mission and strategic objectives.

Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh: UK National Hydrographer, representing the UK in international hydrographic matters and overseeing the organization's hydrographic operations.

Leadership Changes

In April 2024, Rear Admiral Rhett Hatcher, former UK National Hydrographer and Deputy Chief Executive at UKHO, became Chief Executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global hydrographic services market is characterized by the need for accurate and up-to-date marine geospatial data to support safe navigation, defense operations, and marine development. The market is driven by technological advancements, increasing maritime trade, and the growing importance of the blue economy.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the hydrographic services market include:

Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS): Part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, CHS is responsible for hydrographic surveying and charting in Canadian waters, producing a wide range of nautical charts and publications.

Kongsberg Gruppen: A Norwegian multinational defense and aerospace company, Kongsberg provides hydrographic and marine geospatial solutions, including multibeam echo sounders and autonomous underwater vehicles.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

UKHO engages in significant collaborations to enhance its capabilities:

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO): UKHO represents the UK in the IHO, contributing to the development of international hydrographic standards and practices.

Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme: UKHO supports 17 Commonwealth states across the Pacific and Caribbean by partnering on this programme, enabling sustainable blue economy growth.

Operational Insights

UKHO's strategic considerations include:

Technological Advancement: Investing in digital transformation to enhance product offerings and operational efficiency.

International Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with international organizations and coastal states to expand its global reach and influence.