Carnival Corporation has completed a series of bridge simulator tests evaluating S-100 navigational data at its Centre for Simulator Maritime Training (CSMART) in Almere, Netherlands, with the trials bringing together international hydrographic offices, ports, and maritime technology providers to evaluate how real-time data can improve navigation in port environments.
The S-100 framework is a new digital standard developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) integrating multiple layers of information into a ship’s Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS), including Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC), bathymetric surfaces, and real-time conditions such as tides and currents.
“S-100 has the potential to change how ships are navigated, and its full value comes to life when mariners feel confident using it,” said Mark Jackson, Managing Director of CSMART.
“By testing S-100 in the simulator first, we can explore how crews interact with the new data to understand what feels intuitive and where training will help support a smooth, practical transition to real-world adoption.”
The simulations replicated navigation scenarios for the Port of Rotterdam, Port of Napier, Port of Melbourne, and Port of Southampton, with mariners using bridge simulators equipped with S-100 capable systems to manage port approaches and departures. The tests allowed for direct feedback on the accuracy and usability of data such as three-dimensional seabed representations and dynamic under-keel clearance management.
“The strength of this test bed and sea trial was the collaboration between CSMART, national hydrographic offices, ports, pilots and technology providers,” said Antonio Di Lieto, Senior Manager of Simulation Studies at CSMART.
“Having pilots, ship officers, ship managers, hydrographic offices, port authorities and technology providers working together in the simulator made it possible to look at S-100 from multiple perspectives.”
The results of the trials will be consolidated into a technical report to support the ongoing development of IHO standards. National hydrographic offices from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand provided data for the tests, alongside technology partners including Wärtsilä and Teledyne.
“These trials are an important step in moving S-100 from concept into operational understanding,” said Thomas Mellor, Head of Technical Partnerships at the UK Hydrographic Office.
“By testing the data in realistic bridge scenarios, we’re able to see not just what S-100 can do, but how it is actually experienced by mariners navigating in confined waters.”
The project follows the official entry into force of Phase 1 S-100 product specifications in early 2026. While adoption remains voluntary, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will require new ship builds to be equipped with S-100 capable ECDIS from January 2029.
