Danish Hydrographic Office Nautical Chart

Navigation in Greenland represents one of the most extreme challenges for mariners, requiring nautical documentation of uncompromising accuracy and reliability. The nautical charts of the Danish Hydrographic Office (DHO) covering this Arctic territory provide the essential official reference for navigating waters under Danish jurisdiction. With more than 44,000 kilometres of coastline, an environment characterised by extensive ice coverage and often poorly surveyed seabeds, Greenland nautical charts are an essential safety tool. Offered by Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop, these resources are intended for highly experienced mariners, from professional operators to scientific expeditions, planning routes through some of the most remote fjords and straits in the world.

What is this nautical chart used for?

Using an official DHO chart for Greenland goes far beyond simple reference; it is a strategic decision-making tool for navigation in a polar environment.

• Planning safe routes: They enable mariners to plot routes through fjords and straits while taking Arctic conditions into account.

• Identifying polar hazards: These charts identify major hazards such as icebergs, growlers, shoals and submerged rocks.

• Bathymetric database: They provide depths in metres, which are essential for manoeuvring in areas where margins for error are extremely limited.

• Support for exploration: For vessels involved in research or logistics operations, they provide a fundamental resource for identifying relatively safe areas in a challenging environment.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Given the complexity of the Arctic environment, these documents are not intended for all users and require substantial experience.

• Professional mariners: Essential for transport, research, operational and logistics vessels operating in Arctic waters.

• Scientific and polar expeditions: A reference resource for government missions and research organisations.

• Experienced offshore sailors: Recommended for exploration-yacht skippers accustomed to the challenges of high-latitude navigation.

• Precision navigation: Although aids to navigation such as lights and beacons are scarce in these regions, these charts enable mariners to use the limited coastal landmarks available to verify their route.

Reading and understanding the chart

The DHO catalogue available from Nautic Way includes 98 official products, providing detailed coverage of the Greenland coastline.

• Formats and scales: The charts are supplied flat and rolled in a tube. The selection includes coastal charts (23 charts), nearshore charts (27 charts), offshore charts (19 charts) and one oceanic chart.

• Specific hydrographic information: Mariners will find information on the nature of the coastline, including glacier fronts and cliffs, poorly surveyed areas and regulated areas, such as environmental or military restrictions.

• Bathymetry and seabed features: Depths are derived from surveys validated by the Danish authority, although some remote areas may rely on historical data.

• Examples of chart references: The catalogue includes general charts such as DHO – Kort G, covering Greenland as a whole, as well as charts covering specific areas, such as DHO – 1100, covering the West Coast from Cape Farewell to Arsuk.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea in Greenlandic waters depends on the use of official charts maintained in accordance with the strictest international standards.

• Update system: All charts sold by Nautic Way are printed to order and benefit from the latest corrections available from the Danish Hydrographic Office.

• Operational caution: Due to the constantly changing polar environment, data must always be interpreted with caution, as many areas remain only partially surveyed.

• Best practices: It is strongly recommended to supplement paper charts with satellite imagery and recent glaciological data in order to enhance navigational safety.

• Contractual provisions: In accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged because they are products that may become rapidly obsolete.

Nautic Way's expertise for mariners

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised specialist in polar and worldwide nautical charting.

• A specialist supplier: Nautic Way supports leisure sailors and professional mariners with a catalogue of more than 25,000 references.

• Specialist advice: Our team provides professional expertise to help mariners undertaking exploration projects choose the charting products best suited to their itinerary.

• Local presence: Based in Challans (85300), at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, Nautic Way puts its expertise at the service of safe and efficient navigation on seas around the world.

FAQ

Which DHO nautical chart should I choose for navigation in Greenland?

The choice depends on your itinerary. For an overall view, Kort G is ideal, while precise approaches require more detailed coastal charts, such as 1115 for Julianehåb Fjord. An interactive chart map is available on the Nautic Way website to help you make your selection.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?

Although these charts provide the best available foundation, they must be supplemented with local information, ice reports and satellite data because detailed surveys are lacking in certain areas.

How often should a DHO chart be replaced?

As polar nautical charts are subject to rapid obsolescence, it is essential to use recently issued editions. Nautic Way ensures that each chart is printed with the latest available updates at the time of order.

Can DHO charts be used with a GPS?

Yes. Official paper charts can be used for manual position plotting. For modern electronic navigation systems, DHO ENC products are compatible with ECDIS and advanced navigation software.

What is the difference compared with other charting products?

The DHO is the official hydrographic authority of the Kingdom of Denmark and a member of the IHO. Unlike general-purpose charts, its products are specifically designed to support navigation in polar conditions and the narrow fjords of Greenland.