Twigg reportedly envisages two options. The first sees the UKHO retaining its present status as a Government agency with trading fund status, whilst ensuring maximum benefits are realised from the freedoms provided by the status. The second option forsees Britain’s national hydrographic service, which has been charting the world’s oceans for over 200 years, becoming a limited company owned in part or whole by the Ministry of Defence.

Mike Robinson, the recently appointed Chief Executive of the UKHO, has broadly welcomed the MoD’s proposed study on grounds that the quality, integrity and commitment to safety upon which the organisation is founded will not be adversely affected by any change in its status.