Fugro’s deep expertise in subsea pipeline consultancy and design has made it a key player in advancing offshore energy projects across the Middle East. In this interview with Hannes Swiegers, Director IRM Services & Remote Operations, Fugro, we explore how the company’s comprehensive approach—focused on safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability—supports the region’s growing energy sector. Fugro’s insights into the unique challenges of deep-sea exploration, including geological complexity and the integration of geo-data, provide a glimpse into the cutting-edge techniques used to overcome obstacles in pipeline design.
Additionally, we delve into Fugro’s commitment to sustainability, including their pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2035, and the innovative methods they apply to protect ecologically sensitive areas. As we discuss their adaptability to specific Middle Eastern conditions, we also touch upon their contributions to recent projects in the region, illustrating how their expertise continues to shape the future of offshore energy development in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
1. How does Fugro’s expertise in subsea pipeline consultancy and design contribute to the development of offshore energy projects in the Middle East?
At Fugro, we take a comprehensive approach to supporting offshore energy projects, in the Middle East, always keeping safety, efficiency, and the environment at the forefront. In the Middle East, our expertise in subsea pipelines plays a pivotal role during every stage of a project, from initial site assessment and understanding of the environmental impact to designing the pipelines and positioning installation.
By providing these services, we support informed decision-making, cost reduction, and risk minimisation for our clients in the Middle East, aligning with global sustainability goals and contributing to the success of offshore energy projects in the region.
2. What are the unique challenges Fugro faces in designing subsea pipelines for the deeper offshore exploration areas in the Middle East?
Our extensive experience and localised knowledge are vital in addressing regional challenges. Fugro’s ability to innovate, integrate Geo-data effectively, and tailor solutions to the distinctive conditions of the Middle East’s areas are essential for the success of ambitious deep exploration endeavours.
The Geological Complexity related to deeper offshore exploration areas often present more complex geological conditions. Variability in soil composition, geohazards such as faults or unstable formations, and uneven seabed terrain can pose challenges in designing stable and secure subsea pipelines. Our focus on Geo-data ingenuity requires efficiently integrating diverse geospatial information collected from surveys and investigations. Ensuring seamless integration of data related to seabed conditions, bathymetry, and geophysical characteristics is crucial for accurate design and decision-making.
3. How does Fugro ensure the environmental sustainability of their subsea pipeline projects in the ecologically sensitive regions of the Middle East?
Our team of experts provide guidance to our clients, ensuring their projects are environmentally sustainable and respecting the delicate ecosystems where they operate. Our approach integrates ethical decision-making that considers the social, economic, and environmental impacts from start to finish.
We are committed to environmental responsibility and have set an ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero by 2035, addressing all carbon emissions from our operations, both direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2). This commitment is formalised through science-based targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), covering absolute CO2 emission reduction across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Our sustainability endeavours are guided by global targets for 2020-2025 and we diligently adhere to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol reporting standard, disclosing our CO2 emissions through the Carbon Disclosure Project. In our commitment to sustainability, we participate in initiatives such as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and the Seabed 2030 Project.
4. In what ways does Fugro’s subsea pipeline design adapt to the specific needs and conditions of Middle Eastern offshore energy projects?
With over four decades of collecting Geo-data in the region, we are specialists in addressing the specific site conditions of Middle Eastern offshore energy projects. It’s important to highlight that we tailor our approach to the unique characteristics of each project and client requirements. However, our fundamental services include:
- Geotechnical surveys to get a clear picture of the seabed conditions.
- Environmental impact assessments to ensure compliance with local regulations.
- Adapting pipeline design to accommodate different soil types.
- Seismic surveys to understand the geological features, and this data is incorporated into the design of pipelines that can withstand potential seismic events.
5. Can you describe any recent projects Fugro has undertaken in the Middle East regarding subsea pipeline consultancy and how these projects have impacted the regional energy sector?
We cannot divulge specific details on the recent subsea pipeline consultancy projects in the Middle East, but we can share that our expertise has been harnessed across various projects. Our proficiency in subsea pipeline projects has played a pivotal role in site assessment, environmental impact assessment, pipeline design and positioning installation. This aided in establishing site and route characteristics through mapping the seabed and subsurface. The outcome led to detailed soil composition, characteristics, and properties deliverables aiding the overall project’s success.
