A long history of French hydrography
SHOM, the direct heir to the Dépôt des cartes et plans de la marine created in 1720, has embodied French excellence in hydrography for three centuries. From its beginnings as a chart producer, it has evolved to become a key player in the safety and control of marine environments. With its new head office in Brest, the company continues this tradition of innovation in the service of the armed forces and civilian maritime players.
The establishment's history is rich in landmark innovations, from the publication of Neptune François in 1693 to the adoption of modern electronic marine mapping and data management systems in the XXI? century. This know-how, now world-renowned, is underpinned by unique expertise that informs military decisions as much as environmental and economic issues related to marine spaces.
A modern building for strategic challenges
SHOM's new head office, inaugurated on December 3, 2025, reflects the modernity and ambitions of this public administrative establishment. Designed by the architectural firm RAUM, the 3,000 m² building on the Bergot site in Brest is home to 200 of SHOM's 550 employees.
Designed to combine sobriety and functionality, the building features high-energy performance equipment: photovoltaic panels, automatic LED lighting and connection to the urban heating network. The architecture also emphasizes the brightness and comfort of the workspaces, in line with the objectives of modernizing public infrastructures.
Renewed missions for "SHOM 4.0
Laurent Kerléguer, Director General of SHOM, announced an ambitious roadmap at the inauguration. The aim is to bring the establishment into the digital and automation era using cutting-edge technologies. The deployment of autonomous maritime drones, the development of high-performance computing capabilities, and the creation of oceanic digital twins are among the priorities identified.
These advances are designed to meet crucial needs: support for naval forces, control of the seabed, maritime safety and support for coastal public policies. This project, known as "SHOM 4.0", aims to keep the company at the forefront of world hydrography.
A key role in maritime geopolitics
With 11 million square kilometers of French maritime space under its responsibility, and zones of strategic interest extending over 60 million square kilometers, SHOM plays an essential role in national sovereignty. The data it produces helps optimize military operations, secure maritime routes and support economic activities such as marine renewable energies.
International collaborations also reinforce this position. Since the creation of the International Hydrographic Organization in 1970, SHOM has been a major player in the harmonization of practices and the management of maritime issues on a global scale.
Brest: a strategic hub for the future of hydrography
The move of SHOM's new headquarters to Brest is part of a regional dynamic that places the city at the heart of maritime research. The Bergot site, where SHOM has been based since the 1970s, boasts numerous assets to support hydrographic activities: proximity to maritime players, high-quality port infrastructures and a technological ecosystem.
With a budget of 62 million euros in 2023 and a new Contract of Objectives and Performance for 2025-2029, SHOM is consolidating its foundations to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
