Exclusive Interview with IHO Director Dr. John Nyberg on S-100 and the Digital Transformation
In an exclusive interview with Dr. John Nyberg, Director of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), we delve into the future of maritime safety and the global transformation driven by cutting-edge technologies. As the maritime industry faces unprecedented challenges and technological advancements, Dr. Nyberg provides invaluable insights into the evolving role of the IHO, the critical significance of S-100, and the shifting tides of maritime navigation in the digital age.
Work-life balance
Given the high expectations placed upon you, what do you consider to be the core expectations from your peers and stakeholders? Moreover, how do these expectations align with your own vision for your career and personal growth?
I firmly believe that the Member States of the IHO expect me to do what is right for the Organization, so that is the rule that I follow. More specifically, I am sure that the Member States expect me to make meaningful progress to ensure the success and future sustainability of the IHO and its products and services. This includes standards development and management, IHO infrastructure, and working to ensure that modern standards are accessible and achievable for everyone.
My professional aspiration is to add value to society through public service. Like everyone, I have dreams, but I do my best not to let personal ambitions impact my decisions at the IHO.
Managing a leadership role at an international organization can be demanding. Could you share some insights into your personal strategies or hobbies that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance? What activities or passions outside your professional life inspire you the most?
I love hiking, traveling, cooking, writing, and socializing with friends. These days, I do my best to tune out for a few hours each weekend to enjoy these things. Luckily for me, many of my friends work at the IHO or in hydrographic organizations, so the social aspect of my life is well fulfilled.
Monaco is undoubtedly an exceptional place to live with its scenic beauty and unique culture. How have you adapted to life in Monaco, and have you found opportunities to engage with the local culture or community that enrich your personal life?
Monaco is a fantastic place to work and live. I consider it an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to come here every day and to work in such a wonderful environment. I wish that I had more time and opportunities to participate in Monaco’s wealth of social, cultural, and educational activities, but the extent to which I travel, along with family obligations, limits my engagement. I very much appreciate the opportunities that I have participated in and hope to do more in the coming years.
You have been widely recognized for your sincere and candid leadership style. With your new role demanding a blend of honesty and diplomacy, how do you navigate the challenges of maintaining your authentic communication while also upholding the decorum expected of an international leader?
I don’t necessarily view honesty and diplomacy as skills that need to be blended. I strongly believe that people quickly lose trust in leaders who are not honest or willing to take an occasional tough position, even those that may not be popular. Diplomacy, trust, and rules are essential for everything we do in an international organization. They allow for differing opinions and consensus-based decision making, without which we would not move forward.
Understanding the IHO and the role of the hydrographic services and standards
For those who aren’t deeply familiar with hydrography, could you explain in simple terms what the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) does, outline its organizational structure, and describe the primary responsibilities that fall under your role as Director-especially in relation to the Hydrographic Services and Standards Committee (HSSC)?
The International Hydrographic Organization is an intergovernmental organization that works to ensure all the world's seas, oceans, and navigable waters are surveyed and charted. Established in 1921, it coordinates the activities of national hydrographic offices and promotes uniformity in nautical charts and documents. It issues survey best practices, provides guidelines to maximize the use of hydrographic survey data, and develops hydrographic capabilities in Member States.
The primary responsibilities of the HSSC are to implement the strategic direction of developing, improving, and promoting clear, uniform, global hydrographic standards to enhance safety of navigation at sea, the protection of the marine environment, maritime security, and economic development. In essence, the HSSC is responsible for managing the standards that are the backbone of the IHO and the global system of navigation products and services, everything from nautical charting to marine protected areas and hydrographic data.
Looking forward over the next decade, what is your vision for the IHO? How do you plan to guide the organization through rapid technological advancements and evolving global maritime needs while still maintaining its traditional strengths?
The IHO is in the midst of a critical period for the implementation of modern standards for navigation products and services. These new standards come with increased complexity, along with the need for a robust support infrastructure. The Organization needs to be sure that the tools for implementing these new products and services are available and implementable to coastal states without compromising implementation times or benefits. In my view, this will require extensive flexibility during the implementation phase. The IHO will need to operate in an agile manner, respecting that implementation will likely be different around the world.
How do member states and specialized committees contribute to the IHO’s decision-making processes? Could you also elaborate on how the IHO interacts with other international maritime organizations, such as the IMO, and highlight some of the key areas of collaboration?
Member States are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the IHO. They make up the bodies of our Working Groups and Commissions which guide the development and management of our work. The IHO has a hierarchical structure that is governed by an Assembly of its Member States which is held every three years.
We participate in many other international bodies like the IMO as observers. In this role, we do our best to ensure that IHO standards are recognized while also providing subject matter expertise in the hydrographic domain.
Educating for safer seas: The IHO’s training and outreach efforts
For someone new to the field, how would you describe the role of the IHO in promoting safe navigation at sea?
A large part of the IHO’s effort is spent on education and training. We contribute to everything from entry-level education via e-learning to developing syllabi for professional hydrographers. As I write this answer, we are hosting a group of high school students for an afternoon of learning about hydrography. Of course, much of this training focuses on best practices for collecting and managing data in the marine environment, but we also spend a significant amount of time promoting the benefits of the data.
The S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model is seen as a significant leap forward in digital hydrography. Could you explain how this framework is expected to transform the sector and what long-term objectives you have in mind for its implementation?
S-100 is a significant leap forward because it facilitates the integration of data, beyond nautical charts, into one system for the mariner. These data types include surface currents, bathymetric surfaces, marine weather, water levels, tides, hazards, marine protected areas, and more. Data integration will provide mariners with greatly improved real-time, dynamic decision-making tools. For example, charts will be tide aware, presenting mariners with real-time depth information on their systems.
S-100 will also provide a much improved avenue between traditional hydrographic offices, which were primarily concerned with nautical chart production and hydrographic data collection, for tools like marine spatial planning, emergency response, and the digital twin of the ocean.
Of course, we need to ensure that both the maritime community and geospatial industry adopt S-100 before any of this becomes a reality.
Considered alongside other countries, how do you assess Türkiye's involvement or status within your area of responsibility?
As a maritime nation that is also technologically savvy, Türkiye is in a terrific position to help lead the global effort on S-100. As is very well demonstrated by Türkiye's thriving aeronautical infrastructure, Türkiye has the resources and capabilities to be a leader in this effort as well.
I also fully recognize the unique geographic position that Türkiye has in the world. Such dynamic ports and waterways would both benefit from S-100 implementation, along with serving as a strong example of success.
What kind of diversification or what trends, in your opinion, The S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model on a regional basis in the coming years?
For me, the most important facet of successful S-100 implementation will be to remember that it must be country-led and country-designed. I don’t expect a single solution that works for every country in the world. Each country, or region, will likely use a unique production model, bespoke software solution, and workforce that suits their needs.
How does S-100 improve the integration and interoperability of digital hydrographic data compared to older systems?
S-100 allows for true interoperability. Old systems allowed for datasets to overlay and be used together, but in S-100 data from one product might adjust values in another. Water levels that adjust soundings on charts is an easy example, but there will be many other important applications, possibly improved routing adjusted from surface current models or weather forecasting for example.
From paper to digital: How S-100 facilitates the evolution of navigation
Can you describe how S-100 supports the transition from traditional paper charts to digital navigational systems?
I don’t think that S-100 specifically supports the transition from paper to digital, but I strongly believe that it will not take long for mariners to see the benefits of digital over paper through reduced effort to maintain products, cost, and significantly better information for making informed decisions.
How long do you expect new technologies you have developed to bring the marine industry to IMO 2030 and 2050 targets to take to become fully functional?
I think they will rapidly be fully functional. However, regulated navigation may not be the first functional example. I anticipate the recreational and unregulated space to offer these new technologies at a faster pace. They will be an excellent preview of the benefits of S-100.
How ECDIS Developers Are Progressing Toward S-100 Implementation
How ready are ECDIS manufacturers to support the S-100 framework, and how do you assess the current level of competition among them in terms of pricing, system maturity, innovation, and operational efficiency?
I am very happy with the ECDIS manufacturers, many of whom are already well underway with their development and testing programs for S-100 implementation. I am confident that there will be a number of approved ECDIS on the market in the coming years. I expect them to be mature, efficient, and much better than current systems. I also expect there to be sufficient competition in the market, but I do not have an answer in terms of pricing.
Which country has the best potential in your view? How can optimization of S-100 System be assured during the transition to “full digital”? How do member states and specialized committees contribute to the IHO’s decision-making processes?
I do not think that there is one country with the most potential. I am very optimistic about progress from regional perspectives. Regions that have taken early steps to adopt S-100 from a unified starting point seem better prepared to offer full suites of S-100 data that is seamless across their areas of responsibility. The IHO’s Regional Hydrographic Commissions help to facilitate this approach and act as a place for coastal states to coordinate, contribute to IHO strategy, and prepare consolidated action plans for implementing S-100. IHO Member States also have the opportunity to participate in technical working groups and the high-level strategic bodies of the Organization.
At the same time while will shipowners have to completely change/ overhaul, all the safe navigation systems onboard vessels as part of the transition to also carbon-free shipping or will upgrading current equipment also be part of the process?
I hope so. Upgrading navigation equipment to assist with carbon-neutral aspirations seems like a practical path forward to me. I am sure that ship owners will also consider bulk purchases and training efforts when upgrading equipment.
What are your predictions regarding the costs created by green fuel, machinery and navigation system renewals, the potential impact of these costs on freight rates in shipping and how these costs will be reflected to the end user?
I expect shipping costs to go down and hope that the reduced rates will be passed on to consumers.
What role do pilot projects and early trials play within the IHO in refining S-100 before its broader adoption?
Pilot projects, particularly IHO Sea Trial Areas, will be important S-100 demonstration areas during the early phase of adoption. There are several areas around the world that aim to provide testing, feedback, and an exploration of S-100 benefits for the larger IHO community.
Compliance and Operational Legality Will vessels using non-S-100-compliant ECDIS systems be allowed to enter and exit ports? How do regulators plan to manage the transition between legacy systems and S-100-enabled systems, particularly from an operational legality standpoint?
Regulations are very much national concerns, so they differ around the world. I fully expect vessels that are currently compliant by using S-57 ECDIS will continue to be compliant for the life of the vessel. Following this logic, I expect them to be allowed to enter and exit ports.
In the context of the ongoing digital transformation, how might deep-rooted historical issues between states affect the legal recognition of official data in maritime areas where disputes remain unresolved?
This is difficult to predict, but I am very hopeful that diplomacy combined with compromise and a dash of technology will win the day. It is important to remember that we are working in the interest of safety at sea and to protect our environment first, but I am also always happy that in this area of technology and science, countries that have historical issues are still able to work together to achieve a common goal.
Mandatory adoption and enforcement
Do you foresee that S-100 or S-100-enabled ECDIS will eventually be mandated by international or regional maritime authorities? What legal mechanisms and timelines might be involved in enforcing such a requirement?
Absolutely. S-100 capable ECDIS will be mandatory for new installs in 2029 and will be regulated through IMO instruments. Following this deadline, it will only be a matter of time before non-S-100 capable ECDIS will be phased out.
What legal and regulatory challenges must be addressed to integrate S-100 into current maritime standards? How will existing vessel certification and compliance processes adapt to include S-100 requirements?
I think that the most important challenges that are being addressed are data security and distribution, but discussions around these are well underway. I am confident that there will be an agreed path forward for both in the very near future.
Could port authorities and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) soon be legally obligated to adopt S-100 for digital data exchange? What legal consequences might these bodies face if they do not implement these standards?
Again, this is very much a national issue. However, I suspect that the adoption of modern standards and technology will be a big factor in a port’s future success. Ports that are leading the way in terms of technology, efficiency, and safety will be desirable options for increased business opportunities, and those who decide to implement S-100 based solutions will not doubt have an advantage in this regard.
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