The Fugro Equator in the Southern Indian Ocean during the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Image by ATSB via Wikimedia Commons.
The firm has been selected as one of a panel of industry partners to acquire data for a $150 million initiative to ensure safe shipping routes in the Australian Charting Area.
The HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program (HIPP) aims to boost Australia’s hydrographic industry capability over the next five years, within which partners will acquire maritime survey data to produce digital maps of Australia’s seas and coastal areas.
The HIPP replaces Fugro’s previous contract to support hydrographic data collection via the RANLADS airborne laser bathymetry system.
Paul Seaton, Fugro’s Director of Business Development, said that a strong hydrpgraphic sector supports more than maritime safety.
“Having robust hydrographic data supports sustainable development, trade and tourism, helps manage resources, and protects the environment. Being an independent provider of Geo-data such as hydrography is a key component of Fugro’s vision to contribute to a safe and liveable world.”
Fugro has indicated that capture will take place via vessels and aircraft and will be supported by autonomous vehicles, cloud-based data processing and artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.
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