Leading publisher of nautical information for leisure sailors Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd (Imray) and Austrian cartographic specialist freytag & berndt (FB) have pledged to “ensure the continued availability and development” of Imray paper charts.

Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd and freytag & berndt have announced a joint venture, FB Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson GmbH (FB Imray), to be headquartered in Vienna, and signed a letter of intent to “ensure the continued availability and development” of Imray’s nautical paper charts and books.

In addition, Bookharbour (Stanfords) Ltd will continue as the main UK-based distributor of Imray paper charts and books.

It is hoped that the collaboration with freytag & berndt’s cartographic knowledge, will strengthen and expand the Imray offerings, while Imray’s nautical portfolio with be ‘literally filling a large blank spot’ in the land-based maps of Austria’s market leader in cartography.

The evolved organisation is set to launch in the summer, with further details to be announced in due course.

Positive plan for Imray paper charts

The focus will be on producing high-quality nautical charts and publications under the Imray brand, while also developing new products tailored to the needs of sailors and advancing digital navigation solutions.

Imray managing director Lucy Wilson said: “By combining our deep-rooted maritime knowledge with freytag & berndt’s cartographic abilities, we are securing the future of Imray’s nautical charts and publications while opening the door to new opportunities for development and growth.

“Our commitment to providing sailors with trusted, high-quality navigation resources remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Carl Rauch, Managing Director of freytag & berndt, added: “With this joint venture, we are taking a big step towards becoming a global cartographic publisher.

“Until now, we have only been involved in predominantly land-based cartography so with this partnership we are literally filling a large blank spot in our maps.

“By continuing and further developing the Imray portfolio and tapping into digital opportunities, we are creating innovative solutions for navigators.”

There will be no interruption in service— charts and books will continue to be available as usual.

Was the future of Imray paper charts ever in doubt?

Last November, Imray announced the end of an era, and that it would be ceasing its paper chart publishing operations in 2025.

The company, which has been providing sailors and maritime enthusiasts with expertly designed charts, books and guides for more than 200 years, since the mid-18th century, said in a statement: “While this decision has not been taken lightly, it is a recognition of growing trends in nautical digital navigation.”

At the time, Imray was offering “a final opportunity for potential buyers interested in preserving its legacy, providing a unique chance to acquire the chart business and/or rights to the Imray name.”

Chairman of the Small Craft Group at the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN), Paul Bryans told PBO: “The news of an outline deal between Imray and freytag & berndt is excellent, due to the potential to secure the continued production of the Imray paper charts.

“Paper charts will continue to be the best backup navigation resource for leisure sailors for some time and their large size means they are excellent for planning purposes.

“As we know that the UKHO wants to exit paper chart production at some point, it is essential that access to approved paper charts remains for the sub-24m market (leisure and commercial), especially in UK waters.

“It is also good to read that advancing digital navigation solutions is also part of the plan. Imray raster charts are an excellent resource having all the information on the paper versions and none of the current drawbacks of vector charts which some users dislike.

“Stopping production of the Imray paper charts would have been a great loss to leisure sailors in many parts of the world so we hope this new venture comes to fruition quickly and proves a success.”

Back in February 2023, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) announced a delay to the withdrawal of paper Admiralty Standard Nautical Charts and Thematic Charts in response to user feedback.

Admiralty paper charts are expected to remain in production until at least 2030.

End of Imray paper charts: historic publisher to phase out chart publishing in 2025

Imray, the leading publisher of nautical information for leisure sailors, will cease its paper chart publishing operations in 2025.

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