PRESS RELEASE

World Hydrography Day, 2024 June 21

1. The 21st of June, has been designated by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as "World Hydrography Day" in order to raise public awareness to Hydrography and its role to improve the knowledge of the seas and the oceans, but also to urge states to cooperate in promoting safe navigation and protection of the marine environment.

2. The main subject of the World Hydrographic Day celebration for 2024 is "Hydrographic information - enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of maritime activities". This topic has been chosen in order to highlight the primary objectives of the strategic plan of the International Hydrographic Organization which are safety of both material and human resources, interface with the private sector and corporate partners, promotion and strengthening of cooperation with local and national hydrographic authorities and support of production, maintenance and dissemination of hydrographic products, according to the new S-100 standard. Taking into account the rapid transition to electronic shipping and autonomous navigation and the need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we are being led to significant developments concerning provision of high-demanding digital hydrographic data.