Fugro secures EIB financing for uncrewed maritime operations
Dutch geo-data specialist Fugro has secured a €150 million financing agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand its remotely operated maritime survey capabilities and support the development of advanced offshore technologies.
The financing will support the phased deployment of Fugro’s second-generation uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), alongside research and development in remote sensing, underwater robotics and digital maritime monitoring. The investment is intended to strengthen the company’s ability to conduct offshore surveys, monitor subsea infrastructure and provide technical data for renewable energy and other maritime projects.
Investment to support new uncrewed vessel fleet
The financing is intended to support the phased deployment of up to 25 new medium-sized, long-range USVs designed for offshore surveying and monitoring operations.
The vessels will support seabed mapping, technical assessments, offshore site investigations and infrastructure monitoring. Combined with underwater robotic systems, they will enable subsea information to be transmitted to remote operating centres in real time.
According to the EIB, Fugro’s USVs can reduce fuel consumption by up to 90% compared with traditional survey vessels, while also limiting the number of personnel required offshore. The technology is expected to support offshore wind farms, subsea electricity interconnectors and other critical maritime infrastructure.
Financing supports remote operations and research
Beyond fleet expansion, the financing will support Fugro’s continued development of advanced sensing technologies, underwater robotic systems and remote maritime operations.
EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot said the investment would contribute to the development of digital maritime technologies while supporting Europe’s energy transition.
“Fugro provides the data and expertise that underpin major offshore investments, from wind farms to subsea cables,” said Robert de Groot, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank.
Mark Heine, Chief Executive Officer of Fugro, identified uncrewed vessels and remote operations as central elements of the company’s long-term strategy. He indicated that the financing would enable Fugro to introduce new technologies progressively, in line with market developments and operational requirements.
Separately, Fugro secured a two-year extension of its existing €500 million senior unsecured debt facilities to December 2031. These comprise a €400 million revolving credit facility and a €100 million term loan. The extension is separate from the new €150 million EIB financing agreement and does not represent an additional €500 million in new funding.
Fugro operates in 52 countries, providing geo-data services for offshore energy, renewable energy, marine infrastructure and subsea asset management. The company has not announced a specific delivery schedule for the proposed USV fleet, with deployment expected to proceed in phases.
