{mprestriction ids="1,2"}First published in 1895, the publication is designed to support mariners in the planning of deep sea voyages, with details of weather, currents, ice hazards and other environmental features that may be met in transit.

The UKHO says it has completely changed the way that routes are represented in response to user feedback, introducing route diagrams alongside tabulated waypoint and route data to help mariners find key information.

New route additions include voyages for ships calling at important commodity hubs in the Black Sea and Persian Gulf. The publication also includes new route information for ships travelling to developing or newly established ports in Asia, Africa and South America.

“Improvements in technology have enabled us to radically change the way in which we compile all of our publications, but ‘Ocean Passages for the World’ has particularly benefitted from the insights that can be gained through analysing large amounts of data,” said Neil Salter, miscellaneous publication manager at the UKHO.

“For this new edition, the UKHO has assembled a team with diverse skills to collate and assess over eight billion pieces of data to produce an informed view of world trading patterns and routes that form the network of global trade.”

“This information will help to give mariners and shore-based staff a greater understanding of the world’s busiest trade routes and support efficient passage planning for bridge crews across the globe.”

The new edition of Ocean Passages for the World is available as an ADMIRALTY e-Nautical Publication (AENP) and as a paper publication in two geographically spilt volumes.{/mprestriction}