MOWCA partners IHO to promote hydrographic standards in Africa

The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has signed an agreement with the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) to implement globally-accepted hydrographic standards in Nigeria and other member countries in West and Central Africa.

The pact aims to promote the adoption of operational standards within the S-100 framework, which integrates various databases into a single Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).

S-100 is a hydrographic geospatial data standard that can support a wide variety of hydrographic-related digital data sources and aligns with mainstream international geospatial standards.

Speaking during the joint signing ceremony in Abidjan, the Secretary-General of MOWCA, Dr Paul Adalikwu, emphasised the importance of hydrographic standardisation for enhancing seafarers’ decision-making and situational awareness.
He noted that the S-100 framework allows seafarers to combine data layers such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC), detailed depth information and dynamic data on water level and current.

Adalikwu highlighted the need for a regional approach in establishing a Centre of Excellence for hydrographic training, ensuring its viability and sustainability.

Addressing the IHO delegation, led by a director at the organisation, Mr John Nyberg, he underscored MOWCA’s capacity to sustain such a centre, leveraging the multilateral organisation’s influence, which includes 25 maritime ministers from member states.

He further announced that MOWCA’s Secretariat would establish a steering committee of relevant stakeholders to advance hydrographic initiatives in alignment with IHO’s objectives.

On his part, Nyberg expressed the IHO’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic standards in the region.
He stated that the delegation’s visit to Abidjan was aimed at fostering better collaboration and information sharing within the operational ecosystem.

Nyberg also expressed the IHO’s delight in supporting the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Hydrographic Training, which will be hosted at the Regional Academy of Science and Technology of the Seas (ARSTM), a key institution for maritime studies under MOWCA.