Fugro expands autonomous fleet with Kongsberg Discovery at the helm

Announced at Oceanology International in London, Fugro and Kongsberg Discovery have formalized a wide-ranging framework agreement that builds on what the companies describe as a decades-long technology partnership. Under the deal, Kongsberg Discovery becomes a designated key supplier of advanced hydroacoustic and positioning systems across Fugro's global fleet, including the Dutch group's rapidly expanding portfolio of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).

The agreement gives Fugro continued access to a suite of high-end Kongsberg technologies, most notably the EM2042 multibeam echosounder and Seapath motion and GNSS positioning systems, both of which have been selected for integration into Fugro's next generation of autonomous survey platforms. The two companies say the combined capability will deliver precise hydrospatial data while supporting safer, more efficient and more sustainable remote operations.

Building on a long-standing collaboration

For Fugro's chief executive, the deal reflects a broader strategic confidence in its Norwegian partner. "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," said Mark Heine. "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."

From the Kongsberg side, the agreement is seen as a natural evolution of a partnership that has helped shape modern subsea surveying. "Fugro has been a valued partner for many decades and together we have helped shape the evolution of modern hydrospatial surveying," said Audun Berg, executive vice president at Kongsberg Discovery. "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."

USV missions around the clock

While the agreement is broad in scope, Fugro's USV expansion (also unveiled at Oceanology International) gives it a particularly sharp focus. The company, which employs around 10,000 people across 52 countries, has invested heavily in a network of Remote Operations Centres designed to manage USV missions around the clock. The approach has yielded dramatic environmental gains, with emissions reductions of up to 95% reported alongside improvements in operational safety and continuity.

Kongsberg Discovery's technology sits at the heart of that autonomous capability, underpinning the precise navigation, seabed mapping and underwater positioning that such operations require. Beyond the EM2042 and Seapath systems, the agreement also covers Kongsberg's HiPAP underwater acoustic positioning and communication technology – a portfolio that together provides the high-accuracy situational awareness demanded by complex offshore survey work.