An additional 5.4 million square kilometres of new data - equating to an area twice the size of Argentina - has been added to the definitive map of the world’s ocean floor, with 24.9 per cent of the seabed now mapped. The latest figure was announced by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco during the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Assembly, currently taking place in Monaco. Formed by the representatives of its 98 Member States and Observers, the Assembly meets triannually to discuss new developments in technical standards, ocean mapping and agree on resolutions to guide activities.

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has selected Fugro to survey a 515 km2 area over the Cayman Islands in November. The project will support updated nautical charting and improved coastal zone management. To accomplish the work, Fugro will deploy their Rapid Airborne Multibeam Mapping System (RAMMS), a solution that meets International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) quality and accuracy standards, while also contributing to UKHO’s goals for carbon neutral operations.

Invited by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to demonstrate the most modern hydro-oceanographic technologies during the celebrations marking the 100 years of existence of the international organization, iXblue demonstrated its DriX Unmanned Surface Vessel, in the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco, Dr. Mathias Jonas, IHO Secretary-General, Mr. Laurent Kerléguer, Director General of the French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom), and Amb. Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.

The German Hydrographic Society (DHyG) to stage the International Federation of Hydrographic Societies’ (IFHS) 2016 symposium and exhibition in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany, from 8-10 November 2016. Venue will be the spacious Yachthafenresidenz Hohe Düne Hotel overlooking the Baltic Sea. 300 to 400 participants from all sectors of the hydrographic and related professions are envisaged and 48 exhibitors will provide their latest developments. Presentations in 14 sessions will cover the emerging topics ranging from the Perspectives of Hydrographic to Space Hydrography, covering strategic, practical and technical issues. All this accompanied by specialist workshops, on-water demonstrations and open ships.

Fugro has been awarded a Supply Arrangement by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) to provide vessel based hydrographic survey services.