The UK Hydrographic Office, an agency of the MoD, has donated
£1.6 million worth of equipment to the State Hydrographic Service
of Ukraine, helping to keep the seas around Ukraine safe and
support commercial shipping amid ongoing Russian attacks.
The equipment – which includes two full Single Beam Echo Sounder
systems and two Multibeam Echo Sounder systems – will be used to
carry out hydrographic surveys.
These surveys collect accurate data of the seabed and marine
environment. The data can then be processed and used to produce
and maintain nautical charts and navigational information to
support safer navigation in the area.
, Minister of State at the
Ministry of Defence, said:
This donation shows the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine. In
addition to this equipment, the UK Government has provided
Ukraine with missiles, ammunition, drones and we’ve trained over
20,000 Ukrainian personnel.
The equipment provided by the UK Hydrographic Office will
contribute to the protection of ports and shipping lanes, helping
Ukraine’s ships stay safe so they can move goods, including food
supplies, in and out of the country.
The equipment enables production of navigational information and
nautical charts containing safety information. Vessels moving
through Ukrainian waters can use this to plan a safe route,
including through any humanitarian grain corridor.
Along with the equipment and software, the State Hydrographic
Service of Ukraine has been offered training on specialist
courses delivered by the UK Hydrographic Office and the Royal
Navy. The training will help develop the necessary skills to
effectively use the donated equipment.
Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive, UK Hydrographic Office,
said:
The UK Hydrographic Office is steadfast in our support to our
Ukrainian colleagues, and to the mariners and people of Ukraine.
This donation will give the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine
the necessary tools and training to maintain their international
responsibilities as a coastal state through this challenging
period.
Background:About the UK Hydrographic
Office (UKHO)
The UKHO is a leading centre for hydrography, providing marine
geospatial data to inform maritime decisions. We work with a
wide range of data suppliers and partners to support maritime
navigation, safety, security, and marine development around the
UK and worldwide.
We make location-based information available through ADMIRALTY
Maritime Data Solutions, our world-leading range of charts,
publications, and custom data sets. Our use of marine data and
technology, combined with our expertise, ensures we continue to
innovate and provide a wider range of solutions.
We source, process, and provide access to location-based
information, ranging from seabed to surface. This enables our
partner organisations to make critical maritime decisions –
informing the sustainable use and management of the marine
environment and supporting the development of the blue economy.
