Page 38: of Marine Technology Magazine (Jan/Feb 2013)

sels in the site surveying sector which are typically between 25 and 40 years old. Fugro Searcher, commissioned March 2010, was the Þ rst new build dedicated site survey vessels in the North Sea in 30 years.Ó MV Fugro Searcher was the Þ rst example of FugroÕs global series of dedicated hydrographic and geophysical site sur- vey vessels. FSSV 65 is the design name for a 213 ft. (65-m) double-hull survey vessel designed and built to Fugro Sur- vey speciÞ cations by German shipyard Fr. Fassmer GMBH. A 12-month process of computer modeling and tank testing was required to achieve optimum hull form and performance output. The FSSV 65 design has proved to be a capable and successful survey platform. The efÞ cient diesel electric drive and specially designed hull ensures quiet operational acous-tics that signiÞ cantly improves the quality of data that can be collected. Desiring an advanced ß eet, Fugro installed DP functionality and cutting edge survey equipment including the latest Kongsberg multibeam and sub-bottom proÞ lers and solid digital streamers. It is also a spacious design with en suite accommodation for 42 people and supplemented by modern crew leisure facilities including a video room, gym, and internet caf? expected from todayÕs generation of survey- ors and engineers. The ships have already tackled analogue geophysical surveys in shallow and deepwater, multi-channel seismic rig site surveys, environmental and geotechnical in- vestigations, pipeline and cable route investigations, and swathe bathymetry projects. The second in the series, Fugro Galaxy, was delivered in March 2011 and included a 7-ton side and extended 20 ton rear hydraulic A frames for enhanced shallow geotechnical operations. Meanwhile, FugroÕs global build program has now moved to other parts of the world with the production of three new vessels; MV Fugro Equator delivered in July 2012 and being operated from FugroÕs Singapore ofÞ ce; MV Brasilis due for delivery at year end to Fugro in Rio de Janei- ro; and Fugro Australis for Fugro in Perth, Australia. Invest- ment continues with the recent purchase of a second AUV for Fugro Aberdeen. The 3000m depth rated Kongsberg manu- factured Hugin 1000 AUV, named Echo Surveyor 6, will be delivered in April 2013. Echo Surveyor 6 will offer additional capacity for deepwater projects in Europe and West Africa region and compliments FugroÕs two Hugin 1000Õs in Asia- PaciÞ c and two BlueÞ n 21 and one Hugin 3000 in the Ameri- cas regions. Investing in People Apart from its cutting edge technology, Fugro Survey Lim- ited has also become known for its high personnel standards and innovative approach to HSE. ÒInvestment into personnel training, development and management systems is very im- portant,Ó said Robertson. ÒFor example, health and safety has been a continuous focus for the last 15 years and weÕve just been awarded the Order of Distinction at a gala ceremony in Vehicles - Pro le?In terms of business philosophy, we see investment as being the engine of growth? Eric Robertson, Commercial Manager, Fugro Survey (Photo Credit: Fugro Survey Ltd.) (Photo Credit: Fugro Survey Ltd.) January/February 2013 38 MTRMTR #1 (34-49).indd 38MTR #1 (34-49).indd 381/30/2013 2:51:46 PM1/30/2013 2:51:46 PM