Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson (Imray), publisher of nautical information for recreational sailors, and Austrian cartographic company freytag & berndt (FB) have signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture (JV).
The collaboration is aimed at ensuring the continued availability and development of Imray’s nautical charts and books.
The new venture will be named FB Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson with its headquarters in Vienna.
In addition, Bookharbour (Stanfords) will continue as the main UK-based distributor of Imray charts and books.
The new organisation is set to launch in summer 2025, with further details to be announced in due course.
The companies say the focus will remain on producing high-quality nautical charts and publications under the established Imray brand, while also developing new products tailored to the needs of sailors and advancing digital navigation solutions.
With this joint venture, we are taking a big step towards becoming a global cartographic publisher.
Carl Rauch
“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,” said Lucy Wilson, MD of Imray.
“Our commitment to providing sailors with trusted, high-quality navigation resources remains at the heart of everything we do.”
Carl Rauch, MD 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.”
Further updates including details on product developments and operational plans, are set to be released as the business progresses.
Imray has been operating in its current guise since 1904 and is still owned and run by descendants of the original founders.
The company was founded in the mid-1700s when it started serving merchant ships from the City of London with navigational resources.
In 2024, the company announced it was to cease chart publishing but would continue to support the maritime world through its pilot book and cruising guide titles, together with the ‘Explore with Imray’ digital product.
