Kongsberg Discovery and Fugro have signed a new framework agreement that strengthens a decades-long technology partnership between the two companies. The contract, confirmed at Oceanology International in London, positions Kongsberg Discovery as a key supplier of advanced hydroacoustic and positioning technologies across Fugro’s global fleet, including the company’s expanding portfolio of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).
Integrated approach
Fugro is widely recognised as the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, delivering insights that support energy production, the energy transition, large-scale infrastructure development and climate resilience. Its operations span offshore and onshore environments worldwide, with increasing emphasis on sustainable survey solutions and remote operations.
The new agreement reinforces Kongsberg Discovery’s position as a preferred technology partner for Fugro, providing continued access to the company’s high-end solutions – such as the EM2042 multibeam echosounder and Seapath motion and GNSS positioning systems, which have been selected for integration across Fugro’s new generation of autonomous survey platforms. Working together, the assets and technology will deliver high-quality, precise hydrospatial data and optimally efficient, safe and sustainable remote operations.
Shared commitment
Audun Berg, EVP, Kongsberg Discovery, says the agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing subsea technology while maintaining the highest standards of data quality.
“Fugro has been a valued partner for many decades and together we have helped shape the evolution of modern hydrospatial surveying,” Berg comments. “This new framework agreement takes that collaboration to the next level. By combining Fugro’s operational expertise with Kongsberg Discovery’s advanced sensor and positioning technologies, we can continue delivering the reliable, high-quality data that Fugro’s customers depend on for informed decision making and understanding of complex marine environments.”
Empowering autonomy
Although the agreement is wide-ranging in reach, Fugro’s decision to expand its USV fleet, as announced at Oceanology International, is a natural focal point. The Dutch multinational, which employs approximately 10,000 people in 52 countries, has built an advanced network of Remote Operations Centres (ROCs) to enable USV tasks, helping dramatically reduce emissions (by up 95%), with enhanced safety and 24/7 operational efficiency. Kongsberg Discovery technologies are central to these developments, supporting the precise navigation, seabed mapping and underwater positioning required for autonomous success.
In addition to multibeam echosounders and Seapath INS, Fugro will continue to utilise a broader portfolio of Kongsberg Discovery systems including HiPAP underwater acoustic positioning and communication technology. Together, these solutions provide the high-accuracy situational awareness needed for complex offshore survey projects.
Unlocking value
Mark Heine, Fugro CEO, says the strengthened partnership reflects the company’s confidence in Kongsberg Discovery’s technology and expertise.
Heine comments: “Our focus is on delivering high quality Geo data and clear insights that help customers reduce risk and make well informed decisions throughout the life of their projects. Kongsberg Discovery’s systems play a key role in supporting our global survey operations, enabling us to operate efficiently while maintaining consistent and reliable outcomes in increasingly complex marine environments. This framework agreement supports our shared ambition to advance more efficient and sustainable survey operations. We are pleased to continue working closely with Kongsberg Discovery as we build on this long standing collaboration for the benefit of our customers worldwide.”
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