Fugro and NOAA Ocean Exploration have signed a five-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to develop and deploy remote and uncrewed technologies aimed at closing major data gaps in deep-ocean mapping. The collaboration is designed to strengthen understanding of the seafloor, supporting offshore energy planning, marine resource management and national security interests.
Advancing Remote Exploration Capabilities
The agreement merges NOAA’s operational expertise with Fugro’s background in uncrewed systems, data workflows and offshore operations. Fugro will contribute uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), electric remotely operated vehicles (eROVs) and digital platforms that connect offshore systems to onshore teams in real time. This approach allows data to be gathered and shared more efficiently, cutting down the need for personnel at sea.
NOAA officials see the collaboration as a chance to accelerate the pace and precision of exploration. Capt. William Mowitt, acting director of NOAA Ocean Exploration, stated: “By enabling remote operations and enhancing the use of innovative technologies, we can reduce costs and expand our reach, unlocking the ocean’s potential at a scale and speed needed to keep pace with America’s growing demands for ocean resources and information.”
Building on Longstanding Collaboration
For Fugro, the agreement builds on more than two decades of work with NOAA. The company has gradually introduced remote survey methods on crewed vessels before advancing to fully remote, cloud-connected solutions. Céline Gerson, Fugro’s Group Director for the Americas and President of Fugro USA, commented: “Our more than 25-year collaboration with NOAA has paved the way for this progress. From introducing remote survey operations on crewed vessels to advancing fully remote, cloud-connected systems, we’re proud to help NOAA shape the future of ocean science through innovation and shared purpose.”
Next Steps in Joint Projects
In the months ahead, Fugro and NOAA will organize workshops and field demonstrations to kick off collaborative projects. These efforts will likely include sensor testing, new digital workflows and data integration tools for habitat mapping and marine assessments. The work also aligns with NOAA’s wider priorities in digital infrastructure, workforce development and public engagement, while giving Fugro the chance to refine its technologies for broader use in science.
