From Hamburg to the high seas, Stephan Dimke has been steering ChartWorld’s journey into the digital future of navigation. In this post Stephan takes us through ChartWorld’s history to date, rewarding moments and how they are leaders through industry changes.
For Stephan Dimke, tradition was the spark that ignited his maritime career. “It’s fascinating to help this industry take the next step in digitalisation,” he reflects. That step, from paper charts to digital navigation, has defined both his personal mission and ChartWorld’s evolution.
Navigating change from Hamburg
ChartWorld began as a small chart distributor in Hamburg, a city steeped in maritime heritage. Back then, the shipping industry still relied heavily on paper charts. But by 2012, the tide had turned. ChartWorld helped introduce a new era of digital navigation, developing systems that would transform how vessels operate across the globe.
Pioneering ECDIS as a Service
In 2011, ChartWorld launched a bold new concept: ECDIS as a service. The Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) became more than a product, it became a platform. Paired with a hardware-as-a-service model, this offering was a game-changer for shipping companies seeking safer, more efficient and cost-effective navigation.
SevenCs, ChartWorld’s software development arm, powers the intelligence behind the system. And, with the 2023 integration into the Teledyne Group alongside Raymarine, ChartWorld helped establish Raymarine Commercial, bringing even more innovation to the commercial marine space.
Global impact, rooted in expertise
Today, ChartWorld ranks third globally in ECDIS retrofit installations. From zero vessels to thousands, the growth has been exponential. “We’ve been doing ECDIS from the start,” Stephan says proudly. “We have the person who developed the first ECDIS worldwide on our team.”
That depth of experience extends across the company. Former UK Hydrographic Office cartographers now lead divisions, and the team continues to grow into a powerhouse of maritime knowledge. Together, they’re focused on reducing workload, enhancing safety, and delivering long-term cost savings for clients.
The reward: safer seas
For Stephan, the most meaningful moments come when customers return with gratitude. “They say, ‘Thank you, you helped us in a critical situation, and now we can operate safely over the oceans.’ That’s the reward.”
ChartWorld’s journey is far from over. With a legacy of innovation and a future full of possibility, Stephan Dimke and his team remain committed to helping the maritime industry navigate what’s next.