At time of publication, you can currently find available the following number of products in the PRIMAR Service:
ENCs:
S-57: 25 081
S-101: 41
S-102: 593
S-104: 985
S-111: 3505
Recommended Routes (RTZ): 688
Nautical Publications: 221
PRIMAR Expands S-100 Product Portfolio
PRIMAR is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its S-100 service portfolio with the release of S-104 and S-111 products for Norway.
At the time of publication, the following products are available: • S-104: 337 products • S-111: 762 products
This milestone further strengthens PRIMAR’s commitment to supporting the implementation and adoption of S-100 services.
PRIMAR Services
PRIMAR Launches Updated S-100 Training
Following S-100 Edition 5.2.0, updated S-101, S-102, S-104 and S-111 specifications are now fully aligned. In the course bundle packages available, S-100 / S-101, S-102, S-104, and S-111 modules have all undergone an extensive progress update to reflect the S-100 5.2.0 alignment.
In addition to refreshing the training portfolio with updated course bundles, PRIMAR has also expanded the learning experience with enhanced video content, exercises, subtitles, and transcripts.
Alongside the upgrades in the existing training material, two new free courses have also been made available:
S-124 Navigational Warnings (EN/FR)
S-100 for Management Level
Discover the updated training portfolio and the new courses on the PRIMAR Training Portal.
NEW PRIMAR Webpage
Explore our newly improved PRIMAR webpage, strengthening our support for members and distributors through an enhanced digital experience. Our newly improved PRIMAR webpage is designed to provide clearer access to the tools, services, and information needed to navigate this transition with confidence.
The updated site offers streamlined access to S-100 product information, dedicated distributor resources, and insights into our global ENC services - making it easier for partners to stay informed and prepared for next-generation maritime solutions.
You can also explore key support initiatives, including the PRIMAR S-57 Non-SOLAS Service, the PRIMAR Capacity Building Fund, and the PRIMAR Training Portal. These services are tailored to support knowledge development, operational readiness, and long-term capability building across our network.
Launching in April, the new platform reflects PRIMAR’s continued commitment to enabling safe, efficient, and future-ready navigation while supporting our members and distributors every step of the way.
PRIMAR Information
FREE - High Level S-100 Overview Course
PRIMAR is happy to announce that a Free High-Level S-100 Overview Course for Management Level is now available at the PRIMAR Training Portal.
The course provides an insight into S-100 for domain management purposes, focusing on the importance of S-100 for Hydrographic Offices and other agencies in the marine domain. Opportunities, cooperation, management and challenges related to S-100 are keywords for this training course, which elaborates on relevant topics for Hydrographic Offices and other national agencies in the process of implementing support for S-100 within their organisations and field of responsibility.
The course covers the following topics:
S-100 Introduction
Benefits of S-100
Strategic Importance of S-100 for HOs
Implementation Challenges and Opportunities
Cross-Agency Cooperation
Role of Management in S-100 Implementation
Future Directions and Continuous Improvement
PRIMAR Distributors
This quarter we were pleased to welcome five new PRIMAR Distributors:
On Tuesday 20th January 2026, an agreement was signed in Stavanger, Norway, making Korea (ROK) the 20th member of PRIMAR.
From the Korean side, the agreement was signed by Director General of Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA), Mr. Kyusam Jung.
From the Norwegian side, the agreement was signed by Director General of the Norwegian Mapping Authority, Mr. Johnny Welle.
As an advanced hydrographic office with a strong focus on S-100 implementation, KHOA will help bring PRIMAR forward and strengthen the PRIMAR cooperation.
Other News from PRIMAR
IHO - Letter of Recognition
PRIMAR’s members contribution to IHO Capacity Development has been recognised as a significant enabler of progress in 2025.
Funding from the PRIMAR members has helped ensure that, for the first time, all proposed capacity building activities were fully funded. This contribution has also strengthened the role of RENCs within the IHO Capacity Building Sub-Committee, where they are now key members in both operational and strategic discussions.
The IHO has expressed its sincere appreciation and looks forward to continued collaboration in the future.
S-57 to S-101 Conversion Course - Funded by PRIMAR CBF
The S-57 to S-101 conversion training in Hai Phong was successfully delivered, bringing together participants from across the region.
Funded by the PRIMAR Capacity Building Fund (CBF) and delivered by SHOM, the course had a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on exercises and engagement remained high throughout the week.
Excellent organisation and support from VMSC created a highly collaborative learning environment, and participants finished the course confident in applying S-101 conversion workflows in practice.
S-100 Test Strategy Meeting
Svein Skjæveland represented PRIMAR at the 12th meeting of the S-100 Test Strategy Maintenance SubGroup, which was held in Monaco on the 17th - 20th March 2026.
Key discussions over four days focused on finalising S-98 (S-100 ECDIS and Interoperability Specification), as well as version management and test bed results.
Experience from multiple test beds is now confirming the expected benefits of S-100, including improved situational awareness, decision-making, route optimization, safety margins, and support for complex navigation scenarios.
PRIMAR was particularly pleased with the acceptance of our proposed amendments, which support the implementation of the fileless cancellation mechanism in S-100.
WEND Working Group
This years WENDWG took place on the 25th - 27th February 2026 in Hong Kong, China.
Key work focused on advancing guidelines, principles, and coordination efforts to support S-100 implementation, including updates to S-101 and preparations for the S-57 sunset roadmap.
Recommendations emphasised consistent and coordinated rollout of S-101 and other S-100 products.
Industry and RENC representatives, including PRIMAR, contributed valuable input, underlining both technical challenges and the importance of collaboration to support global S-100 implementation.
Data Quality Working Group (DQWG)
The 21st Data Quality Working Group (DQWG) took place in Monaco. Mikus Ranka and Svein Skjæveland attended on behalf of PRIMAR.
Discussions took place around CATZOC distribution through the ENC Usage Bands and CATZOC=U (Unassessed) usage by the HOs.
PRIMAR in Video!
PRIMAR have produced two promotional videos. The first video provides an insight into PRIMAR and our vision, the second focuses on PRIMAR and it's Members and the excellent relationships that have been built.
