The Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) marked a significant milestone on October 31, 2024, with the release of its first Electronic Navigation Chart (ENC) for Galle Harbour. This is the first ENC produced by SLNHO since its inception, enhancing navigation safety and supporting maritime activity at one of the country’s key ports.
The creation of this ENC is part of SLNHO’s mandate under the National Hydrographic Act No. 7 of 2024, replacing the outdated Galle Harbour ENC (GB500819) by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, which was based on data from as early as 1907 and rated as low-accuracy (CATZOC ‘C’). This outdated information had led to a decline in ship entries to Galle Harbour. The release of the new ENC is expected to restore mariner confidence and ensure maritime safety, aligning with the goals of the SOLAS Convention of 1979.
The updated Galle Harbour ENC, issued as part of the LK ENC series No. LK5G04A1, offers a digital alternative to traditional paper nautical charts and aids in ocean navigation. Its annual subscription, priced at USD 25 per user, is projected to contribute to national revenue, showcasing SLNHO’s growing capacity to generate foreign exchange.
This new ENC is part of SLNHO’s broader ENC production plan, initially concentrating on harbour and approach charts. With approximately 40,000 ships reported in the southern waters off Sri Lanka in 2023, the SLNHO now aims to expand its ENC production to include deeper waters around the island.
