PRESS RELEASE

The Norwegian Hydrographic Service (NHS) and the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (DHN) of the Brazilian Navy have signed a bilateral agreement to formalise the exchange of data, services, and sharing of expertise in the field of hydrography in order to enhance international maritime safety and protection of the environment and to avoid duplication of efforts between the participants.

As a result of this agreement, Brazil now becomes a member of the PRIMAR regional ENC coordinating centre (RENC) operated by the NHS and will make the Brazilian ENCs directly available through the PRIMAR ENC service. Currently the ENC coverage in the Brazilian waters consists of 94 ENC cells.

Gerry Larsson‐Fedde, the Norwegian hydrographer, stated: "This important agreement means that PRIMAR is now able to release the Brazilian ENCs directly. Brazil is a key partner for PRIMAR and this cooperation will contribute significantly to our efforts to harmonise ENCs globally and enhance our joint knowledge of ENC quality"

NOTES TO EDITORS

PRIMAR
The PRIMAR official ENC service is operated by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service through a regional ENC coordination centre (RENC) regime.

Currently offering more than 9 100 ENCs, PRIMAR delivers the service through an international network of authorised distributors. Regular updates are provided through standard CDs, PRIMAR Chart Catalogue, PRIMAR Online remote updating service and PRIMAR ECDIS Online™.

ENCs from PRIMAR meet IMO SOLAS chart carriage requirements when kept up‐to‐date and used in conjunction with a type‐approved electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) plus appropriate backup.