Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department
ENHD
Guiding Maritime Excellence
About ENHD
Since 1922, Egypt has been proudly represented in the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Following its membership, various entities have taken on the responsibility of representation. Initially, the Coastguards & Fisheries Service was the first entity responsible. From 1922 to 1932, the Survey of Egypt assumed this role, followed by the Ports and Lighthouses Administration from 1932 to 1955.
In 1955, the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department (ENHD) took over under the name Kism Al Misahah Al Bahariyah, and from 1956 to 1988, it continued as Idarat Al Misahah Al Bahariyah. Since 1989, the ENHD has been representing Egypt, continuing its commitment to hydrographic excellence.
Recognition letter of EGYPT membership to the IHO
Our Key Missions
Product as a Service (PaaS)
ENHD prioritized fulfilling its obligations under the SOLAS convention by providing hydrographic services and delivering accurate, consistent, and reliable nautical products
Information as a Service (IaaS)
ENHD is guiding maritime excellence by supporting evidence-based decision-making. We utilize our Multi-Dimensional Hydro-spatial Database, extensive expertise, and comprehensive knowledge of Egypt's maritime domain to provide critical insights and support
Service as a Service (SaaS)
Providing seamless access to Hydro-Spatial data through implementing the National Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (NMSDI) of Egypt. This strategic move aims to streamline access to crucial data needed for efficient maritime activities
Rear Admiral Dr. Sameh Soliman Mohammed
National Hydrographer of Egypt
EGYPT NATIONAL HYDROGRAPHER
Message
Dear Hydrographic Community,
I am honored to be appointed as the National Hydrographer of Egypt. At the vital crossroads of East and West through the Suez Canal, the ENHD is dedicated to ensuring safe and secure navigation in Egyptian waters. Our work is crucial not only for safe navigation but also for unlocking the potential of the blue economy and promoting sustainable development.
Our key missions provide the foundation for a range of maritime activities, including naval operations, oil and gas exploration, and port development. By leveraging our extensive hydro-spatial data, the ENHD aims to drive sustainable growth and innovation across these sectors.
I am committed to continuing the “ENHD Vision 2023” initiative, launched in late 2015, to secure the long-term future of this great organization.
Our Expert Team
Working diligently behind the scenes, our qualified professionals guarantee excellence through a diverse range of qualifications, including:
- Marine science and technology degrees.
- Local and international navigational science courses.
- Basic hydrographic survey courses certifications.
- Hydrographic data management expertise.
- Advanced cartography course.
- Postgraduate studies in hydrography.
ENHD Recognized for Advancing Egypt’s Maritime Capabilities with Special Achievements in GIS (SAG) Award 2023
Esri North Africa (Esri NA) awarded the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department (ENHD) with the “Special Achievements in GIS (SAG) Award 2023,” marking the culmination of ENHD’s dedicated efforts and recognizing the National Hydrographic Office of Egypt. This achievement underscores our organization’s vision and initiatives aimed at advancing Egypt’s maritime classification. Unlocking Egypt’s Blue Economy Potential: Recognizing the profound power of marine spatial data in unlocking the potential of the Egyptian blue economy, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Plan 2030, ENHD has been actively constructing an optimal framework for leveraging such data since 2016. The goal is to harness its benefits, facilitate evidence-based decision-making, and ensure the optimal management of marine resources. ENHD’s Impact on Egyptian Waters: The success of our organization in recent years is evident in the comprehensive coverage of Egyptian waters with modern, consistent, and audited hydrographic data. This accomplishment has resulted in the production of international nautical products spanning from the coast to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ), fulfilling our national roles and obligations outlined in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention. Enhancing Maritime Activities in Egypt: With the possession of this abundant wealth of maritime spatial data, our organization has assumed a pivotal role in Egypt’s maritime domain. This entails utilizing the data to enhance the effectiveness of all maritime activities in Egyptian waters through collaboration with key partners and stakeholders. NMSDI Project and the Path to SAG Award 2023: In alignment with global initiatives, ENHD has recognized the necessity of establishing a mechanism within the country’s maritime sector to facilitate the exchange and utilization of this substantial data wealth for the benefit of the nation. Eight years ago, ENHD initiated the groundwork for implementing the National Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (NMSDI) project for Egypt, culminating in the SAG Award 2023.
Read MoreFirst Graduates of IHO Recognized CAT-B Hydrographic Survey Diploma
The Commander-In-Chief of the Egyptian Navy (C-IN-C) Vice-Admiral Ashraf Atwa, and the President of Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST) Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar has honored the graduation of the first class of IHO Recognized CAT-B Hydrographic survey diploma. Rear Admiral Dr. Ashraf El-Assal, Director of ENHD and Egypt’s National Hydrographer, highlighted the comprehensive concept of hydrography beyond mere surveying and charting applications. He underscored the vital contribution of well-trained graduates in ensuring the seamless operations of maritime activities, emphasizing its direct influence on our daily lives. “The data and insights derived from hydrographic studies contribute directly to informed decision-making, ultimately strengthening the capabilities of the Egyptian Navy and other government entities.” — Vice Admiral Ashraf Atwa Navigation and Nautical Charting. Dredging of navigation channels Port and Harbor Development. Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration. Underwater Archaeology. Environmental Monitoring. Submarine Cable and Pipeline Routing. Search and Rescue Operations. Fisheries Management. Underwater Infrastructure Development. Renewable Energy Projects. The partnership between ENHD and AAST has achieved remarkable success. The provision of a high-caliber team of staff and faculty members and the expertise brought by ENHD who bring extensive experience in the field, this collaboration has not only enriched the educational experience but also facilitated the smooth transfer of both academic and practical knowledge to the enrolled students. Recognition of this partnership by the IHO is a testament to the diligent efforts that have been invested to ensure its inclusion in the list of acknowledged institutions. (IBSC Recognized Programmes | IHO)
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ENHD Achieves Milestone with Hydrographic Production Database (HPD) Migration
In a significant move towards the 2030 vision, the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department (ENHD) has successfully migrated to the cutting-edge Hydrographic Production Database (HPD). This milestone marks the second phase of the transition plan, shifting from products to information as a service. The two-phase project involved: Production Resources Deployment: Configuring the production environment with Oracle Linux OS, Oracle Database installation, and monitoring and control systems. Training and Consultancy: Hosted CARIS HPD training and consultancy covering Oracle Database system administration, HPD server setup, migration processes, and data management. Key Benefits of the HPD: Smooth Transition: Effortless shift from S-57 folio to S-101 folio. Dual Fuel Folios: Streamlined processing and management of ENHD’s dual fuel folios. Rescheme Project: Consistent transition of S-57 ENCs into seamless gridded ENCs. Enhanced Bathymetric Contouring: Production of High Density ENCs with improved bathymetric contouring. The Hydrographic Production Database (HPD) not only serves as a crucial source for ENHD’s Marine Data Products (MDPs) but also plays an essential role in developing and maintaining the Hydro-Spatial Database. This upgrade enhances ENHD’s capability to manage hydrographic data, ensuring improved production efficiency and compliance with international standards as a National Hydrographic Office.
Read MoreThe Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Navy Crowned the Tangible Success of the ENHD and Approved its Vision and Strategy 2030
On Tuesday, 10th of August, the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department (ENHD) was celebrating its commemorative day which marks its first contribution to the INT chart World Scheme Catalogue by the production of the Suez Canal INT charts 7156 & 7159. ENHD was honoured by the Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Navy (CIC) Vice-Admiral Ahmed Khaled’s visit. The CIC was welcomed by the national hydrographer, Rear-Admiral Dr Ashraf Nabil El-Assal, his deputy, the Heads of Divisions and all the staff at ENHD’s Blue Centre. The visit was planned to mark the new noticeable achievements, discuss ENHD vision, strategy, and its sustainable future. The visit was also in conjunction with the celebration of ENHD’s achieved position in providing hydrographic and nautical services within the Egyptian waters and the success in making these reliable services available on a worldwide scale… RAdm. Dr El-Assal initiated the presentation by showing his gartitude for the huge and continous support given by the government through the Egyptian Navy to the National Hydrographic office of EGYPT, ENHD, Followed by an introduction and a general view of what will be discussed during the presentation. He shed light on what was done and the following phases “way ahead 2030”. RAdm. Dr El-Assal has reviewed the difficulties faced by the ENHD team in the early stages to reach today’s position in promoting the safety of maritime navigation within the Egyptian waters either for the Egyptian-expanding Navy or for all mariners domestically and internationally. Moreover, he underlined the perfect planning which proceeded in late 2015 with the objective to prepare, establish, and develop a Big Blue-database which had led to successive achievements and to cover the Egyptian Waters with a consistent, reliable, up-to-date, seamless, and high quality maritime navigational product in 2020. Our Plan 2015: 2030 RAdm.Dr. El-Assal added “Sir, now we consider the accomplishment of phase 1 of 3,…
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Our Team of Surveying / Charting the GULF OF SUEZ GOS
CHARTING THE GoS As ⅓ of the global maritime trade passes through the Suez Canal every year causing high traffic in the Gulf of Suez and several offshore platforms, has only come with responsibility upon our office as safety of navigation is our number one priority. Surveying the whole Gulf of Suez in 100% full sea floor coverage, a challenging mission to identify the safety hazards for navigation and to understand our marine environment more. TEXACO CARISTOBAL CARGO SHIP sunked on 24/02/1967 Accuratly identified by our highly-experienced team during this project north west Moragan-1 complex oil field Cleaned, and Processed Three Coastal charts (GOS01, GOS02 and GOS03) along with 1 larger scale chart (GOS2G) and a harbour band chart (Ras Shukeir Marine Port) covering the entire Gulf of Suez will be produced and distributed in mid-2020 with reliable, consistent and updated data to satisfy the international Mariners transiting the Gulf of Suez.In this way only we can confidently secure our national investments and maintain our safety of navigation.
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