Fugro Expands Role in Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative
Fugro has significantly increased its involvement in the Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative (FSMI), a long-term project initiated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to map the state’s seafloor. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance coastal resilience, improve infrastructure planning, and protect the environment.
Having previously been awarded a contract for 14,000 square kilometers of airborne lidar data for the FSMI, Fugro has now embarked on vessel-based surveys covering an additional 42,000 square kilometers offshore Florida. This expansion includes data collection in five of the six Florida DEP program regions, encompassing the entire Atlantic Coast, the Florida Keys, and parts of the Gulf Coast.
The project, which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2024 with a single survey vessel, has rapidly evolved into a multi-vessel operation. Fugro is responsible for 65% of the vessel-based program under the FSMI, with data collection expected to conclude by late 2025 and final deliverables scheduled for 2026.
Field activities are being efficiently managed using Fugro’s innovative VirGeo platform, which enables real-time project tracking and quality control monitoring for both Fugro and the Florida DEP. This advanced technology ensures the accuracy and reliability of the collected data.
The urgency of proactive coastal planning in the wake of the devastating 2024 hurricane season underscores the critical importance of initiatives like the FSMI. By providing essential seafloor mapping data, the program aims to facilitate adaptive strategies for Florida’s evolving coastline, ultimately safeguarding its communities and economy.
Mark MacDonald, Director of Hydrography for Fugro in the Americas, expressed pride in the company’s contribution to the FSMI, emphasizing the program’s role as an investment in Florida’s future and a model for other coastal regions. He highlighted the value of the program’s data collection efforts in supporting effective coastal adaptation and mitigation strategies, thereby maximizing the benefits for the state.