The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is known for specializing in handling marine geospatial data. It's a world-renowned center of hydography that helps mariners to meet carriage requirements and have safe and profitable voyages.

After decades of aiming to protect lives at sea, UKHO has announced all versions of ADMIRALTY e-Navigator Planning Station and ADMIRALTY Gateway will be retired from market on January 29, 2021 due to changing market demand.

The retirement decision comes following a review of solutions and an extensive period of engagement, consultation and feedback with ADMIRALTY Chart Agents, users and UKHO partners.

"At the UKHO, we are always looking at our portfolio of products and services to examine the best ways in which we can support our users. From time to time, this also requires us to stop supporting older and outdated solutions as we continue to ensure that we offer a truly world-leading suite of products and services.

We will work together with our Chart Agents to plan for the retirement of these products and services giving them sufficient time for making a transition. This includes supporting those Chart Agents who wish to continue providing a back-of-bridge solution or develop an alternative offering for their customers. There are a considerable number of alternative solutions available on the market, both free and paid for, including those that provide for use of our broader suite of associated products. We are ready to support our users and Chart Agents as they transition to these alternative products."

                               -- Cathrine Armour, Chief Customer Officer, UKHO

The UKHO has already set up a phased retirement to allow customers the transition process to alternative products and services in the market:

•  January 23 2020 - official announcement of the retirement of ADMIRALTY e-Navigator Planning Station and ADMIRALTY gateway

• May 1 2020 - ADMIRALTY e-Navigator Planning Station and ADMIRALTY gateway will not accept new customers

• January 29 2021 - ADMIRALTY e-Navigator Planning Station and ADMIRALTY gateway will be fully deactivated. End of availability of functionality, product updates and user support materials

• February 26 2021 -  End of UKHO Customer Services support for Admiralty e-Navigator Planning Station and ADMIRALTY gateway

In advance of the retirement date, we are offering customers our alternative e-Navigation software solution SPICA. Please contact us to learn more about SPICA and how it can help you in this transition period.