Cluster Insight with Fugro

– Urban resilience and the energy transition are both great examples of how society is positively adapting and transforming towards sustainability, and the Geo-data we provide is at the heart of many of these types of projects, says CEO in Fugro Mark Heine.

Cluster Insight is a relay column where we ask six questions to catch a glimpse into the daily business-lives of the partners and members of GCE Ocean Technology.

In recent columns, both Havkraft and Gaia Global have sent the baton over to Fugro, so this week we spoke with CEO Mark Heine, to learn more about him, and his work.

Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, acquiring and analysing surface and subsurface Geo-data for their clients so they can design, build and maintain their assets safely for decades to come.

1. What is your role in your company?

I joined Fugro in 2000 and in October 2018 I was appointed CEO. Throughout my career I have seen huge changes taking place across our industry and am passionate about combining people’s expertise with technology to address global challenges such as climate change and the energy transition, all while leading Fugro towards an increasingly digital and sustainable future.

2. Your primary focus at work right now is?

As a multidisciplinary organisation our work spans many industries, but our strategic focus right now is the energy transition, urban and climate resilience, and safe infrastructure. Urban resilience and the energy transition are both great examples of how society is positively adapting and transforming towards sustainability, and the Geo-data we provide is at the heart of many of these types of projects. Meanwhile, our remote and autonomous innovations are transforming the way offshore operations are delivered within the maritime industry.

On a personal level, I am very proud that our company supports the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (UN Ocean Decade) and I am honoured that we are part of the Ocean Decade Alliance.

As a member of the Alliance, we collaborate and coordinate with other Alliance members in leveraging existing commitments to raise awareness about Ocean Decade objectives and activities worldwide; create a platform for demonstrating the role and power of science in providing solutions for ocean sustainability; and establish a broad international network that stimulates additional actions and commitments in the framework of the Ocean Decade across all levels of society.

It is critical that the private-sector help lead this global initiative, as we collectively have much to offer and much to gain from a sustainable and equitable ocean economy, Mark Heine, CEO of Fugro.

A wholly mapped ocean is one of the foundational goals of the UN Ocean Decade. This multifaceted initiative – called Seabed 2030 – aims to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and facilitate improved conditions for sustainable ocean development worldwide.

To entirely map the world’s oceans by 2030 requires significant innovations in marine geodesy and survey. Fugro contributes with innovations in satellite positioning, satellite imaging technology, remote operations, autonomous vehicles and robotics, and analytics and cloud automation helping to collect Geo-data more efficient, cost-effective, safe, and sustainable worldwide.

3.  Biggest challenge(s) and/or opportunities for your company in the future?

Effects of climate change, such as droughts, flooding, and sea level rise, are a global concern. These affect the foundations of existing infrastructure and assets and how new foundations must be designed. We provide a comprehensive understanding of Geo-data to help our clients mitigating risks so they can design, build, maintain and futureproof new assets in a safe and sustainable way.

We also see many opportunities in remote and autonomous solutions. By developing and deploying remote uncrewed vessels for operations such as offshore surveys and inspections, we reduce fuel consumption, lower our carbon footprint, and improve safety and well-being for our colleagues.

These all contribute to our sustainability goals and make Fugro a great place to work.

Nonetheless, we also face challenges, such as finding people with the right skill set to join and progress within our organisation and help us deliver our global digital transformation, which is enabling us to acquire Geo-data faster, analyse the data more efficiently and send it to our clients in near real time.

4. Best part of being a member of a cluster?

As chairperson of the IRO, an independent association of 400 Dutch companies representing the entire supply chain within the Offshore Energy industry, I firmly believe in cooperation between member companies.

When we align, we are more effective and can work together to co-create solutions for a safe and liveable world.

5. Your company/life motto?

Our company’s purpose is “Together we create a safe and liveable world”, which we accomplish by “unlocking insights from Geo-data”.

As a keen climber and mountaineer, my personal motto is that “a successful climb isn’t always defined by reaching the summit”.

6. Which cluster member/partner should we interview next?

I recommend Equinor, as they’re supporting the energy transition and a great example of a company that’s evolving to keep up with these changing times.

Thank you for the insight, Mark.