Fugro has begun a hydrographic survey encompassing an area of Norwegian waters of approximately 15000 square kilometres.

The contract was awarded by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service and has a value of 34.5 million NOK (approximately €3.8 million).

The survey is part of the Mareano programme, for which Fugro has completed a number of surveys since 2006. The Norwegian programme maps depth and topography, sediment composition, contaminants, biotopes and habitats. It takes place in the Barents Sea with various areas located above the 78th parallel and typical water depths ranging from 80 to 3500 metres.

The main workscope comprises the collection of multibeam echo sounder data meeting standards set by the International Hydrographic Organisation. Fugro will acquire a range of data including bathymetry, backscatter and water column imaging, together with sub-bottom and gravimetry data.

Survey vessel MV Fugro Helmert has been mobilised for the survey, which is scheduled to be completed in September, with a second survey vessel to be added during the project. Quality controlled datasets will be delivered at the end of November, the company said.