Raymarine Commercial Leads the Way in S-100 Sea Trials with UKHO

In collaboration with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), we have embarked on a series of real-world sea trials to validate the integration of S-100 datasets into ECDIS systems.  Utilising the kernel developed by our sister company Seven Cs these trials, conducted aboard the passenger ferry, Stena Vigna on routes between Portsmouth and St. Helier, are part of a broader initiative involving SHOM, OSI, and other OEMs to test the delivery, synchronisation, and operational use of S-101 and S-102 data.

Why This Matters

The S-100 framework represents a generational shift in how electronic navigational data is structured, delivered, and used. But while many are still theorizing, Raymarine Commercial is already proving it at sea.

These trials are the first of their kind to integrate S-100 data into a fully installed commercial ECDIS system, not just a laptop demo or PPU. Our recently launched S-100 ready Pathfinder ECDIS gives us a unique opportunity to gather feedback from real navigators, test interoperability across hydrographic boundaries, and refine how S-100 products will be used in practice.

What We’re Learning

Our involvement has already surfaced valuable insights:

• Data quality matters: Mariners are quick to spot when data doesn’t meet operational needs. We are using this feedback to push for improvements in upstream data pipelines.
• Realism over rhetoric: It can be easy to focus on theoretical benefits, we are listening to the people who actively use these systems to navigate.
• Trust is earned at sea: By putting our systems through rigorous, real-world testing, we are building confidence not just in our Pathfinder ECDIS, but in the SevenCs kernel that powers it.

What’s Next

We are just getting started. With thanks to DFDS we will continue to develop and test the system with the crew of the Stena Vigna for the next year and working with the UKHO, we will continue sea trials, gathering feedback, and publishing insights. Ensuring we are reflecting the realities of implementation, not just the aspirations.

Why Raymarine Commercial?

Because we are not just talking about S-100.

We are the first to sea with a fully integrated commercial ECDIS running S-100 data. And we are giving fleet managers, shipowners, and regulators the confidence to move forward with a partner who is already delivering.

Follow our journey as we help shape the future of ECDIS.Want to learn more or speak to the team? Contact us or follow Raymarine Commercial on LinkedIn for updates.