Monegasque delegation attends the 4th Assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization
The 4th Assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization took place in Monaco from 20 to 23 April 2026. The IHO’s headquarters have been based in the Principality for over a century, and the event was formally opened by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, accompanied by senior Monegasque officials. Close to eighty countries were represented at the Assembly, with six having joined the organisation in 2025/2026 including the Bahamas and Panama, both major maritime nations ranked among the world’s largest by merchant fleet tonnage.
La délégation monégasque était conduite par Armelle ROUDAUT LAFON directeur des affaires maritimes accompagné de Pierre BOUCHET de la direction éponyme et de Tidiani COUMA du département des relations extérieures et de la coopération.
The IHO’s latest plenary session took place against a backdrop of rapid change, driven by mass data digitisation and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in navigational tools, whilst rising international tensions are particularly affecting the world’s sea lanes.
The Assembly approved plans to create a Monaco-based secretariat for GEBCO, the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans, located at the IHO’s existing offices on Quai Antoine Ier. All of the participants expressed their gratitude for the Principality’s financial and material support in establishing the new secretariat, and for its wider contribution to the IHO since the organisation was founded by Prince Albert I.
The Rainier III Centre also hosted a special exhibition arranged jointly by Member States and shipping industry stakeholders, which was visited by H.E. Mr Christophe Mirmand, Monaco’s Minister of State, on Monday 20 April. Member States were shown the latest innovations in hydrography and marine cartography, whilst a drone boat, also known as an unmanned surface vessel, carried out demonstrations from the Yacht Club de Monaco’s marina.
In addition, three naval vessels from Spain, Italy and the United States were moored at Port Hercule, alongside a Chinese vessel anchored nearby, demonstrating the importance States attach to these issues, all essential for safe navigation.
Finally, the Assembly elected Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi of Italy as the new Secretary-General of the IHO for a six-year term, and appointed a new Board member in the form of Mr Adam Greenland, formerly New Zealand’s National Hydrographer.
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