FB Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson GmbH (FB Imray) has commenced operations in Vienna. The joint venture brings together the maritime expertise of Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd (Imray) and the cartographic competence of freytag & berndt (FB) in order to continue and further develop high-quality nautical charts, books and new digital products.
FB Imray has taken over Imray’s long-established product portfolio and will continue to publish it under the Imray brand name.
In addition to producing high-quality nautical charts and books, the company will also invest in new digital products, actively helping to shape the future of navigation and information for leisure sailors.
Staff from Imray in England will continue to support the joint venture, thereby contributing to the success of its ongoing activities. DI Dr Carl Rauch has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of FB Imray. At the same time, Lucy Wilson will assume the position of Editor-in-Chief. She said: “The start of operations marks the beginning of a new chapter. We are combining Imray’s long tradition and maritime know-how with the innovative strength of freytag & berndt – ensuring that sailors will continue to be able to rely on our trusted navigational solutions in the years ahead.”
Customers in the United Kingdom are kindly advised to place their orders through Bookharbour or Cordee. For customers based in the European Union and the rest of the world, orders will be fulfilled directly from freytag & berndt in Vienna, starting from October 27, 2025.
Bookharbour
sales@bookharbour.com
+44 (0)2381 447830
Cordee
sales@cordee.co.uk
+44 (0) 1455 611 185
freytag & berndt
sales@imray.com
+43 (0)1 533 86 85
In November 2024 Imray announced it would cease chart publication in paper:
For more than two centuries, Imray has been a trusted name among mariners and sailing enthusiasts. Today, we announce the gradual conclusion of our chart publishing operations, marking the end of an era.
This decision, not taken lightly, reflects the growing shift toward digital nautical navigation.
Imray will continue to serve the maritime community via our renowned pilot books, cruising guides, and the popular ‘Explore with Imray’ digital product. These resources will remain a cornerstone for sailors and adventurers, offering reliable, verified information for both coastal and offshore navigation.
Chart production and support, including Imray Notices to Mariners, will continue through the 2025 season. Beyond that, no new editions will be published.
This lead time provides a valuable opportunity for leisure and coded vessels to secure Imray’s high-quality paper charts whilst stocks are available. As one of only two chart providers recognised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Imray charts are tailored to leisure sailors, and offer an excellent alternative to official government charts, especially in light of price increases for those charts scheduled for January 2025.
On a separate note Lucy Wilson of Imray confirmed to CS that its both paper and digital chart making will cease “unless the announcement brings forward offers to buy the charts business. We remain hopeful that that may be the case.”
Imray’s charting legacy
Imray’s legacy of nautical innovation and knowledge-sharing has been at the heart of our mission since the mid-eighteenth century, when our founders served merchant ships in the City of London with charts, pilot books and nautical instruments.
For those interested in preserving this legacy, we are offering a unique opportunity to acquire the chart business and/or rights to the Imray name, enabling a continuation of our tradition within the global maritime community.
Thank you
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our customers, partners, and the wider marine community for your loyal support over the years. Your trust has enabled us to guide countless journeys and inspire exploration. As we conclude the production of paper charts, we remain committed to upholding our legacy with reliable, high-quality navigation resources for generations to come.
Main image shows one of Imray’s popular Iolaire charts for the Caribbean – the series is credited with opening up these once dangerous waters to cruising yachtspeople. Imray worked with DON STREET, the self-styled pilot of the Caribbean who died in May this year. See our obituary of him HERE
