Nigerian Navy Flags off 2024 World Hydrography Day Celebration in Nigeria

The Nigerian Navy onvFriday flagged off the 2024 World Hydrograohy Day Celebrations taking place between June 14-19, in Abuja.

The celebrations will among others feature the indispensable role of hydrography in the nation’s maritime environment, awareness lectures on hydrography to selected secondary schools in Abuja Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt with a view to inspire young minds to consider careers in hydrography.

The theme of this year’s celebrations is “Hydrographic Information: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities”

Addressing the media in Abuja, the Hydropher of the Federation, Rear Admiral A O Olugbode, who described Hydrography as crucial for safe navigation, marine resource management, and environmental protection, said in 2023, hydrographers emphasized the importance of developing a Digital Twin of the Ocean, a virtual model that integrates historic and future hydrographic data to enhance our understanding and management of marine environments

He said this year will focus on the significance of accurate and up-to-date hydrographic data in ensuring safe navigation, optimizing operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices in the maritime industry.

While noting that the theme for the celebrations resonates deeply with the core principles of hydrography, Olugbode said Safety is paramount for all maritime stakeholders, as it hinges on accurate hydrographic data which allows seafarers to navigate confidently, mitigating risks associated with navigation hazards and ensuring mitigating risks associated with navigation hazards and ensuring the safety of lives and property at sea

Hevsaid, “Consider the impact of our hydrographic surveys on the Lagos Channel and Bonny River. These surveys identified and mitigated underwater hazards, significantly reducing maritime accidents.

“The precision of our charts has enabled vessels to navigate these busy waterways safely and efficiently, demonstrating the critical role of hydrography in maritime safety.

“Efficiency lies at the heart of sustainable marine activities. Precise charting and mapping facilitate smoother and more economical maritime operations, minimizing fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and optimizing resource utilization.

“For instance, optimized shipping routes based on accurate hydrographic data have led to reduced transit times and fuel consumption for vessels, resulting in cost savings for shipping companies and lower prices for consumers”.

Reiterating the importance of Sustainability as a global imperative, Olubode, said “We must tread lightly on our oceans and seas, preserving their fragile ecosystems for future generations

“Hydrography provides the vital spatial data needed to manage marine resources responsibly, protect biodiversity hotspots, and combat the adverse impacts of climate change on our coastal environments.

“For example, our surveys have been crucial in planning and constructing new ports, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, transforming our trade landscape and enhancing our capacity to handle increased cargo volumes”.

Furthermore, he said, “On June 21, we will host a plenary session at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Center in Abuja.

“This session will bring together stakeholders and government officials for a one-day seminar to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.

“Subject matter experts will present papers on the critical role of hydrographic data in promoting maritime safety and sustainable practices, aligned with this year’s theme.

“During the plenary session, we will unveil the Revised National Charting Scheme, which addressed some gaps observed in the old scheme and provided an enduring framework for improved precision in navigational products.

“This new scheme includes geographic names, coordinates, and scale, which are crucial for safe navigation by mariners. safe navigation.

“Additionally, we will introduce the Catalogue of Nigerian Charts, enhancing accessibility to maritime resources, cataloging existing charts, and detailing future productions.

“This ensures the maritime community has updated information for timely and effective decision-making.

“At the exhibition stand, stakeholders in hydrography will display their products and interact with users to improve hydrographic service delivery in Nigeria.

“The activities lined up for the 2024 World Hydrography Day celebration aim to create awareness and elicit the right response for the sustainable management of hydrographic information.

“These efforts will harness the full potential of hydrographic data for the benefit of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, supporting maritime safety and fostering economic development.”