cross SECTION

THE CUSTOMER NEWSLETTER OF THE FUGRO MARINE SURVEY AND GEOTECHNICAL DIVISIONS

Fugro Acquires Thales GeoSolutions

AUVs Go One Step Further
Underseas Volcanoes Investigated
Tailoring Deepwater Geotechnics
Winning Over China

ISSUE 01 2004

FUGRO ACQUIRES
THALES GEOSOLUTIONS

WOODSIDE COMMITS TO FUGRO

MAINTAINING A WORKING RELATIONSHIP SPANNING THREE DECADES

Whats New

Woodside Energy Limited and Fugro

Survey, based in Perth Australia, have
signed a geomatics service framework
agreement that will see the two
prominent figures in the offshore oil
and gas industry continue their 30-year
working relationship into 2004.

FUGRO HITS
FIRST FOR
ASIA PACIFIC

Commenting on the recent signing,

Woodside Geomatics Manager, Bob
Quarrill stated: Our association with
Fugro dates back to their first scope of
works in the early 1970s and we are
pleased to be able to continue our
association with the signing of the
geomatics framework agreement.

During 2003, Fugro in Perth

successfully provided positioning
services and installation support
for the first tension leg platform
installation in the Asia Pacific
region. Operations Manager, Dave
Scott said of the contract:

The agreement signed by Woodside

Geomatics Manager, Bob Quarrill and
Fugro Managing Director, Grey Roughan,
will act as the overarching contract that
will form the basis for all future work
undertaken by Fugro. The contract
details pre-agreed standard terms and
conditions, quality assurance
procedures, generic technical
specifications, together with health,

Geotechnical investigations for Woodside Energy off the Victorian coast

safety and environmental procedures.

Grey Roughan, Managing Director of
Fugro Survey, commented: The signing
of the framework agreement highlights the
commitment between Woodside and Fugro
to ensure a high level of quality service that
will provide synergies for future survey and
geotechnical works in 2004.
The one-year agreement, with a further
option to extend, has an estimated
contract value in the order of A$8 million
in the first year.

Together we form a source of

innovation and a long-term supplier
to our survey, positioning and
construction support markets.

This has been a very exciting

project, and to work on an Asia
Pacific first is also very
rewarding.
Clough Offshores West Seno
construction project entailed
laying pipelines down to water
depths of 1,050m and installing
tendon piles and conductors on
the seabed to within 50cm
accuracy. Fugro Survey called on
the companys renowned
worldwide expertise and
knowledge to complete the
project with assistance from sister
companies in Houston and
Singapore. A wide range of highquality equipment and systems
were also used to ensure the
demanding accuracies were met.

BUCENTAUR GETS AN UPGRADE

ENHANCING BUCENTAURS GEOTECHNICAL DRILLING CAPABILITIES

On 19 November 2003, Fugro N.V. announced that it had

reached an agreement with Thales S.A. to acquire its
subsidiary Thales GeoSolutions for EUR 147.5 million.
The acquisition is set to strengthen Fugros position as a global
player in the oil and gas services industry.
The complementary nature of Fugro and Thales GeoSolutions
geographical spread and customer base is key to developing
these businesses, said Gert-Jan Kramer, Chairman and CEO
of Fugro.
The combination of Fugros global network with that of Thales
GeoSolutions will lead to substantial efficiencies and synergies
and will permit it to become a more effective competitor and to
provide more comprehensive and efficient services to its

02

SECTION

clients. Thales GeoSolutions will bring new technology and

talented and experienced people into the Fugro organisation,
accelerating technical developments and R&D projects. This
will allow the combined entity to remain at the forefront of
innovation in the survey and geotechnical markets.
Fugros global footprint will be further extended as a result of
the acquisition, particularly in Latin America, the Caspian Sea
and China. In line with the strategy to have a strong worldwide
and balanced position in all its activities, the acquired
operations reinforce Fugros position in the offshore survey,
positioning and geotechnical market segments.
Fugro expects to achieve full integration of the two
organisations within six months of the acquisition date.

Fugro is committed to providing clients

with high-quality services through its
use of technologically advanced
equipment and assets and as such the
Bucentaur is the latest vessel in the
Fugro fleet to undergo a series of
upgrades to enhance its geotechnical
drilling capabilities.
Following Fugros acquisition of the
vessel in November 2002, the first round
of improvements were quickly put into
place. These included an upgrade to the
heave compensation system, the
installation of a new tool handler control
system and an overhaul of the major
winches to ensure safer operation.

The next step, planned for March 2004,

will be to replace the entire drilling
control cabin with a state-of-the-art
system, giving better flexibility and safer
operation for the drillers. Furthermore,
the upgrading of the hydraulic systems
onboard will continue and electrical
cabling in the derrick will be partially
replaced. A special drill string fatigue
programme has also been developed to
eliminate the possibility of drill pipe
breakage and all drilling parameters can
be automatically logged in real-time to
allow for interpolation of soil data and
the detection of layering.

SECTION 03

FUGRO ACQUIRES
THALES GEOSOLUTIONS

WOODSIDE COMMITS TO FUGRO

MAINTAINING A WORKING RELATIONSHIP SPANNING THREE DECADES

Whats New

Woodside Energy Limited and Fugro

Survey, based in Perth Australia, have
signed a geomatics service framework
agreement that will see the two
prominent figures in the offshore oil
and gas industry continue their 30-year
working relationship into 2004.

FUGRO HITS
FIRST FOR
ASIA PACIFIC

Commenting on the recent signing,

Woodside Geomatics Manager, Bob
Quarrill stated: Our association with
Fugro dates back to their first scope of
works in the early 1970s and we are
pleased to be able to continue our
association with the signing of the
geomatics framework agreement.

During 2003, Fugro in Perth

successfully provided positioning
services and installation support
for the first tension leg platform
installation in the Asia Pacific
region. Operations Manager, Dave
Scott said of the contract:

The agreement signed by Woodside

Geomatics Manager, Bob Quarrill and
Fugro Managing Director, Grey Roughan,
will act as the overarching contract that
will form the basis for all future work
undertaken by Fugro. The contract
details pre-agreed standard terms and
conditions, quality assurance
procedures, generic technical
specifications, together with health,

Geotechnical investigations for Woodside Energy off the Victorian coast

safety and environmental procedures.

Grey Roughan, Managing Director of
Fugro Survey, commented: The signing
of the framework agreement highlights the
commitment between Woodside and Fugro
to ensure a high level of quality service that
will provide synergies for future survey and
geotechnical works in 2004.
The one-year agreement, with a further
option to extend, has an estimated
contract value in the order of A$8 million
in the first year.

Together we form a source of

innovation and a long-term supplier
to our survey, positioning and
construction support markets.

This has been a very exciting

project, and to work on an Asia
Pacific first is also very
rewarding.
Clough Offshores West Seno
construction project entailed
laying pipelines down to water
depths of 1,050m and installing
tendon piles and conductors on
the seabed to within 50cm
accuracy. Fugro Survey called on
the companys renowned
worldwide expertise and
knowledge to complete the
project with assistance from sister
companies in Houston and
Singapore. A wide range of highquality equipment and systems
were also used to ensure the
demanding accuracies were met.

BUCENTAUR GETS AN UPGRADE

ENHANCING BUCENTAURS GEOTECHNICAL DRILLING CAPABILITIES

On 19 November 2003, Fugro N.V. announced that it had

reached an agreement with Thales S.A. to acquire its
subsidiary Thales GeoSolutions for EUR 147.5 million.
The acquisition is set to strengthen Fugros position as a global
player in the oil and gas services industry.
The complementary nature of Fugro and Thales GeoSolutions
geographical spread and customer base is key to developing
these businesses, said Gert-Jan Kramer, Chairman and CEO
of Fugro.
The combination of Fugros global network with that of Thales
GeoSolutions will lead to substantial efficiencies and synergies
and will permit it to become a more effective competitor and to
provide more comprehensive and efficient services to its

02

SECTION

clients. Thales GeoSolutions will bring new technology and

talented and experienced people into the Fugro organisation,
accelerating technical developments and R&D projects. This
will allow the combined entity to remain at the forefront of
innovation in the survey and geotechnical markets.
Fugros global footprint will be further extended as a result of
the acquisition, particularly in Latin America, the Caspian Sea
and China. In line with the strategy to have a strong worldwide
and balanced position in all its activities, the acquired
operations reinforce Fugros position in the offshore survey,
positioning and geotechnical market segments.
Fugro expects to achieve full integration of the two
organisations within six months of the acquisition date.

Fugro is committed to providing clients

with high-quality services through its
use of technologically advanced
equipment and assets and as such the
Bucentaur is the latest vessel in the
Fugro fleet to undergo a series of
upgrades to enhance its geotechnical
drilling capabilities.
Following Fugros acquisition of the
vessel in November 2002, the first round
of improvements were quickly put into
place. These included an upgrade to the
heave compensation system, the
installation of a new tool handler control
system and an overhaul of the major
winches to ensure safer operation.

The next step, planned for March 2004,

will be to replace the entire drilling
control cabin with a state-of-the-art
system, giving better flexibility and safer
operation for the drillers. Furthermore,
the upgrading of the hydraulic systems
onboard will continue and electrical
cabling in the derrick will be partially
replaced. A special drill string fatigue
programme has also been developed to
eliminate the possibility of drill pipe
breakage and all drilling parameters can
be automatically logged in real-time to
allow for interpolation of soil data and
the detection of layering.

SECTION 03

Technology Review
FUGRO LEADING THE WAY IN SUCTION CAISSON SET-UP
CHALLENGING ENGINEERING PHILOSOPHIES IN SUCTION PILE DESIGN

Fugro, under the sponsorship of ExxonMobil, has successfully

completed a two-year programme studying the set-up rate, and
resulting axial increase in pullout capacity with time, of suction
caissons in soil conditions similar to those found in deepwater
Gulf of Mexico.
The study was carried out through a testing programme of
large-scale instrumented caissons. Three different near full-size
caissons were tested to evaluate the effects of varying the
diameter, wall thickness and length of suction piles. The
caissons were outfitted with the necessary valves and fittings
to allow water to escape during self-weight penetration and
application of suction during installation. The caissons were
instrumented with pore pressure transducers, plug level
sensors, load cells, internal and external displacement, as well
as flow meters. All data was automatically acquired through
redundant data loggers.

Evaluate skin friction with caisson displacement

during load events
Develop a better understanding of engineering
factors to be used in design
Initial findings from the programme indicate that the data
acquired during testing will have a significant impact on the
current engineering philosophies in suction pile design.
For more information contact Paul Stevenson on
+(1) 713 369 5594 or email pstevenson@fugro.com

The data from the programme is also available to other

interested parties. Typically, the data collected can be used to:
More accurately predict the increase in pile
capacity with time (set-up)
Evaluate pore pressure dissipation with time
Characterise Nc with reverse end bearing data,
indirectly
Evaluate effects of diameter/wall thickness
on set-up

AUVS GO ONE STEP FURTHER

Evaluate self-weight penetration and required

installation suction
Characterise soil plug behaviour and soil zone of
remoulding, indirectly
Assess the generation and dissipation of excess

The past few years have seen

collection methods for bathymetric and
near seafloor geophysical data take a
giant leap forward with the introduction
of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
into the offshore industry, but their full
potential is still being uncovered.
Fugro began planning its deepwater
survey AUV in early 2001 as a joint
development project with Boeing and
Oceaneering International. The
combined knowledge of the team lead to
the commercial operation of the
EchoRanger AUV within two years of the
first concept discussions. Its operational
efficiency against more traditional data
collection methods was quickly realised
with projects that would have taken up
to seven days using a deep tow reduced
to just two days with the EchoRanger.
Projects that no one would have
considered trying with a deep tow also
became possible with a bit of lateral
thinking by the survey team.

04

SECTION

One of the first surveys completed by the

EchoRanger was for a client who wanted
to investigate seafloor hazards for a
potential anchor pattern. In particular, the
client wanted sufficient seafloor data to
allow the designers to rotate the anchor
pattern as needed while controlling
survey costs. The solution came by
surveying a series of concentric circles
about the drilling platforms future
location, eliminating reams of irrelevant
data that would have been collected
using the traditional grid method.
Another application required the
placement of anchor piles in an area
with a series of seafloor faults making
very precise mapping essential. The
solution developed by Fugro was a
Micro 3D survey for which a series of
closely spaced lines was surveyed,
nominally 10 metres. The sub-bottom
profiler data was then processed as if it
were a 3D seismic data volume and the
results used alongside geotechnical

engineering analyses to accurately

determine suction pile locations amidst
the faulted seafloor. The on-bottom
survey, consisting of 51 survey lines
across an area 875m x 440m, was
completed in less than nine hours.
For deepwater AUVs to grow
commercially as well as technically, we
need to continue looking outside the box
- Micro 3D and circular surveying are
just the beginning.

pore pressure (internal and external) during

installation load events
Near full-scale model of suction caisson

GROWTH OF BURIAL ASSESSMENT SURVEYS

A POWERFUL INVESTIGATION TOOL FOR BURIAL ASSESSMENT OF PIPELINES AND CABLES

Building on extensive experience, gained across thousands

of kilometres of cable route surveys, Fugro France is now
offering e-bas tools to the offshore industry.
The introduction of the Gambas marine refraction system has
made pipeline burial assessment possible across the whole
continental shelf with operation from the shoreline to 300m.
Its average survey production equals 50kms per day and the
system can be deployed from standard supply vessels. The
system has already been proven in North Sea operations
during 2003, highlighting the added value to standard
geophysical and geotechnical results. In addition, Gambas
can be combined with PCPT and sophisticated processing
software to provide a powerful investigation tool for burial
assessment of pipelines or cables.

SECTION 05

Technology Review
FUGRO LEADING THE WAY IN SUCTION CAISSON SET-UP
CHALLENGING ENGINEERING PHILOSOPHIES IN SUCTION PILE DESIGN

Fugro, under the sponsorship of ExxonMobil, has successfully

completed a two-year programme studying the set-up rate, and
resulting axial increase in pullout capacity with time, of suction
caissons in soil conditions similar to those found in deepwater
Gulf of Mexico.
The study was carried out through a testing programme of
large-scale instrumented caissons. Three different near full-size
caissons were tested to evaluate the effects of varying the
diameter, wall thickness and length of suction piles. The
caissons were outfitted with the necessary valves and fittings
to allow water to escape during self-weight penetration and
application of suction during installation. The caissons were
instrumented with pore pressure transducers, plug level
sensors, load cells, internal and external displacement, as well
as flow meters. All data was automatically acquired through
redundant data loggers.

Evaluate skin friction with caisson displacement

during load events
Develop a better understanding of engineering
factors to be used in design
Initial findings from the programme indicate that the data
acquired during testing will have a significant impact on the
current engineering philosophies in suction pile design.
For more information contact Paul Stevenson on
+(1) 713 369 5594 or email pstevenson@fugro.com

The data from the programme is also available to other

interested parties. Typically, the data collected can be used to:
More accurately predict the increase in pile
capacity with time (set-up)
Evaluate pore pressure dissipation with time
Characterise Nc with reverse end bearing data,
indirectly
Evaluate effects of diameter/wall thickness
on set-up

AUVS GO ONE STEP FURTHER

Evaluate self-weight penetration and required

installation suction
Characterise soil plug behaviour and soil zone of
remoulding, indirectly
Assess the generation and dissipation of excess

The past few years have seen

collection methods for bathymetric and
near seafloor geophysical data take a
giant leap forward with the introduction
of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
into the offshore industry, but their full
potential is still being uncovered.
Fugro began planning its deepwater
survey AUV in early 2001 as a joint
development project with Boeing and
Oceaneering International. The
combined knowledge of the team lead to
the commercial operation of the
EchoRanger AUV within two years of the
first concept discussions. Its operational
efficiency against more traditional data
collection methods was quickly realised
with projects that would have taken up
to seven days using a deep tow reduced
to just two days with the EchoRanger.
Projects that no one would have
considered trying with a deep tow also
became possible with a bit of lateral
thinking by the survey team.

04

SECTION

One of the first surveys completed by the

EchoRanger was for a client who wanted
to investigate seafloor hazards for a
potential anchor pattern. In particular, the
client wanted sufficient seafloor data to
allow the designers to rotate the anchor
pattern as needed while controlling
survey costs. The solution came by
surveying a series of concentric circles
about the drilling platforms future
location, eliminating reams of irrelevant
data that would have been collected
using the traditional grid method.
Another application required the
placement of anchor piles in an area
with a series of seafloor faults making
very precise mapping essential. The
solution developed by Fugro was a
Micro 3D survey for which a series of
closely spaced lines was surveyed,
nominally 10 metres. The sub-bottom
profiler data was then processed as if it
were a 3D seismic data volume and the
results used alongside geotechnical

engineering analyses to accurately

determine suction pile locations amidst
the faulted seafloor. The on-bottom
survey, consisting of 51 survey lines
across an area 875m x 440m, was
completed in less than nine hours.
For deepwater AUVs to grow
commercially as well as technically, we
need to continue looking outside the box
- Micro 3D and circular surveying are
just the beginning.

pore pressure (internal and external) during

installation load events
Near full-scale model of suction caisson

GROWTH OF BURIAL ASSESSMENT SURVEYS

A POWERFUL INVESTIGATION TOOL FOR BURIAL ASSESSMENT OF PIPELINES AND CABLES

Building on extensive experience, gained across thousands

of kilometres of cable route surveys, Fugro France is now
offering e-bas tools to the offshore industry.
The introduction of the Gambas marine refraction system has
made pipeline burial assessment possible across the whole
continental shelf with operation from the shoreline to 300m.
Its average survey production equals 50kms per day and the
system can be deployed from standard supply vessels. The
system has already been proven in North Sea operations
during 2003, highlighting the added value to standard
geophysical and geotechnical results. In addition, Gambas
can be combined with PCPT and sophisticated processing
software to provide a powerful investigation tool for burial
assessment of pipelines or cables.

SECTION 05

CONTRACT NEWS

Americas
UNDERSEA VOLCANOES INVESTIGATED
SIGNIFICANT HABITATS FOR HIGHLY PRIZED FISH

Fugro recently mapped Alaskas first

known active undersea volcano whilst
mapping seafloor habitat for deep-sea
coral research on behalf of the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Lying off the Aleutians in the northwest
portion of Amchitka Pass, the active
volcano and several extinct and partially
eroded volcanic cones were mapped
using a combination of Reson 8111 and
8150 multi-beam echo-sounders that
produced highly detailed results of the
whole seafloor area. Mapping was led by
Dr Jennifer Reynolds with co-operation
from NMFS and Moss Landing Marine
Laboratory scientists to ensure quality
data collection.
While the unnamed volcano is
geologically active, it is unknown
whether it might erupt anytime soon, or
if it will ever rise above the ocean
surface to form a new island. But its
presence in an area traversed by fishing
vessels and ships makes monitoring the
volcano important. As a result, further
research is planned for summer 2004
using extensive diving and sampling
programmes to uncover more details on
this interesting submarine feature,
originally discovered in 2002 by NMFS
biologists Bob Stone and Dr Jon Heifetz.

REPSOL WORK
CONTINUES TO GROW

FUGRO WORKS
SABLE ENERGY PROJECT
EXCITING DEVELOPMENT FOR
NOVA SCOTIAS OFFSHORE INDUSTRY

Interpretation and analysis of the data

concluded that truncated volcanoes are
significant for the habitat they provide
for a highly prized variety of fish. Further,
the probable outermost boundary of iceage (Pleistocene) glacial advance across
the continental shelf was discovered by
interpretation of the differential erosion
characteristics of the seabed
outcrops. Additional mapping
of the eroded volcanic
cone is planned for
more research
programmes.

Fugros Aberdeen-based, ROV &

Construction Services business has
won a contract from Repsol YPF to
provide deepwater ROV drill
support and associated intervention
services in the Caribbean.

Mobilisation of the Fugro ROV

services for this contract is
expected to be in Canada during
February, prior to the transit of the
rig to site, ready to commence
drilling in late March, early April.

SECTION

ENSURING SUCCESSFUL LIFTING

During 2003, Fugro Structural Monitoring was contracted to

design, supply and install a monitoring system for J Ray
McDermott for its Gulf of Mexico operations.

Of equal significance was the recent

discovery of an eroded volcanic cone
on the seafloor 3,000km away in
southeastern Alaska. This habitat
mapping discovery was confirmed by
manned-submersible observations and
sampling on behalf of the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game.

Fugro will provide a complete ROV

system and a backup vehicle, as
well as its extensive expertise in drill
support and intervention activities to
a DPII semi-submersible rig.
Working at depths of 1,650m,
comfortably within the design limit
of the Sealion MkII ROV system of
3,300m, this contract award follows
the recent successful completion of
an ultra-deepwater ROV survey and
intervention project for Repsol YPF
offshore Spain on the wreck of the
Prestige oil tanker.

06

MONITORING COMMISSIONS

Designed for initial use in the Nansen field in the East Breaks
area of the Gulf of Mexico, the Fugro system was required to
monitor the relative motions and displacements during the
lifting of the Nansen deck on to the newly developed truss spar.
A dual crane lift was identified as necessary to place the deck
and derrick barges DB50 and 101 were selected to conduct the
dual lift. The barges cranes, the deck and the platform deck
were all instrumented to measure boom relative heights, deck
motions, dynamic loads in each crane and cross angles, along
with vessel draught and current to ensure a successful lift.
Following success in the Nansen field, J Ray McDermott then
commissioned Fugro to perform a similar service on the
Medusa and Devils Tower installations.
Single crane barges are also used by J Ray McDermott to
compete alongside dual crane vessels such as the Saipem 7000
and the Heerema Balder. The Fugro crane lift monitoring system
forms a crucial safety tool in these operations.

Fugro installation staff on the Alma jacket

Since its inception in the late 1990s, the Sable Offshore

Energy Project continues to be an exciting development for
Nova Scotias offshore industry.
Fugros Canadian operation has been closely involved
throughout the construction phases of this project since its
outset. The past year has seen the team involved in the
positioning and installation of the jacket and topside for the
Alma field. This is the most southerly of the Sable projects six
natural gas fields that are situated 200 kilometres offshore
Nova Scotias eastern coast. The jacket was positioned in realtime using the Companys WinFrog positioning software with
inputs received by Differential GPS and auto-tracking
theodolites to ensure accurate location. Differential corrections
were provided by Fugros long-range real-time kinematic
positioning solution, resulting in horizontal and vertical
positioning accuracies of less than 10cm.
General Manager of Fugros Nova Scotia operation, Kirk Stead
stated: We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious
development, the Sable fields represent the largest project ever
undertaken in Nova Scotia and will provide alternative energy
resources to the Maritime provinces and Northeastern United
States for many years to come. We hope to continue working
on construction and inspection contracts until the fields are
complete.

SECTION 07

CONTRACT NEWS

Americas
UNDERSEA VOLCANOES INVESTIGATED
SIGNIFICANT HABITATS FOR HIGHLY PRIZED FISH

Fugro recently mapped Alaskas first

known active undersea volcano whilst
mapping seafloor habitat for deep-sea
coral research on behalf of the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Lying off the Aleutians in the northwest
portion of Amchitka Pass, the active
volcano and several extinct and partially
eroded volcanic cones were mapped
using a combination of Reson 8111 and
8150 multi-beam echo-sounders that
produced highly detailed results of the
whole seafloor area. Mapping was led by
Dr Jennifer Reynolds with co-operation
from NMFS and Moss Landing Marine
Laboratory scientists to ensure quality
data collection.
While the unnamed volcano is
geologically active, it is unknown
whether it might erupt anytime soon, or
if it will ever rise above the ocean
surface to form a new island. But its
presence in an area traversed by fishing
vessels and ships makes monitoring the
volcano important. As a result, further
research is planned for summer 2004
using extensive diving and sampling
programmes to uncover more details on
this interesting submarine feature,
originally discovered in 2002 by NMFS
biologists Bob Stone and Dr Jon Heifetz.

REPSOL WORK
CONTINUES TO GROW

FUGRO WORKS
SABLE ENERGY PROJECT
EXCITING DEVELOPMENT FOR
NOVA SCOTIAS OFFSHORE INDUSTRY

Interpretation and analysis of the data

concluded that truncated volcanoes are
significant for the habitat they provide
for a highly prized variety of fish. Further,
the probable outermost boundary of iceage (Pleistocene) glacial advance across
the continental shelf was discovered by
interpretation of the differential erosion
characteristics of the seabed
outcrops. Additional mapping
of the eroded volcanic
cone is planned for
more research
programmes.

Fugros Aberdeen-based, ROV &

Construction Services business has
won a contract from Repsol YPF to
provide deepwater ROV drill
support and associated intervention
services in the Caribbean.

Mobilisation of the Fugro ROV

services for this contract is
expected to be in Canada during
February, prior to the transit of the
rig to site, ready to commence
drilling in late March, early April.

SECTION

ENSURING SUCCESSFUL LIFTING

During 2003, Fugro Structural Monitoring was contracted to

design, supply and install a monitoring system for J Ray
McDermott for its Gulf of Mexico operations.

Of equal significance was the recent

discovery of an eroded volcanic cone
on the seafloor 3,000km away in
southeastern Alaska. This habitat
mapping discovery was confirmed by
manned-submersible observations and
sampling on behalf of the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game.

Fugro will provide a complete ROV

system and a backup vehicle, as
well as its extensive expertise in drill
support and intervention activities to
a DPII semi-submersible rig.
Working at depths of 1,650m,
comfortably within the design limit
of the Sealion MkII ROV system of
3,300m, this contract award follows
the recent successful completion of
an ultra-deepwater ROV survey and
intervention project for Repsol YPF
offshore Spain on the wreck of the
Prestige oil tanker.

06

MONITORING COMMISSIONS

Designed for initial use in the Nansen field in the East Breaks
area of the Gulf of Mexico, the Fugro system was required to
monitor the relative motions and displacements during the
lifting of the Nansen deck on to the newly developed truss spar.
A dual crane lift was identified as necessary to place the deck
and derrick barges DB50 and 101 were selected to conduct the
dual lift. The barges cranes, the deck and the platform deck
were all instrumented to measure boom relative heights, deck
motions, dynamic loads in each crane and cross angles, along
with vessel draught and current to ensure a successful lift.
Following success in the Nansen field, J Ray McDermott then
commissioned Fugro to perform a similar service on the
Medusa and Devils Tower installations.
Single crane barges are also used by J Ray McDermott to
compete alongside dual crane vessels such as the Saipem 7000
and the Heerema Balder. The Fugro crane lift monitoring system
forms a crucial safety tool in these operations.

Fugro installation staff on the Alma jacket

Since its inception in the late 1990s, the Sable Offshore

Energy Project continues to be an exciting development for
Nova Scotias offshore industry.
Fugros Canadian operation has been closely involved
throughout the construction phases of this project since its
outset. The past year has seen the team involved in the
positioning and installation of the jacket and topside for the
Alma field. This is the most southerly of the Sable projects six
natural gas fields that are situated 200 kilometres offshore
Nova Scotias eastern coast. The jacket was positioned in realtime using the Companys WinFrog positioning software with
inputs received by Differential GPS and auto-tracking
theodolites to ensure accurate location. Differential corrections
were provided by Fugros long-range real-time kinematic
positioning solution, resulting in horizontal and vertical
positioning accuracies of less than 10cm.
General Manager of Fugros Nova Scotia operation, Kirk Stead
stated: We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious
development, the Sable fields represent the largest project ever
undertaken in Nova Scotia and will provide alternative energy
resources to the Maritime provinces and Northeastern United
States for many years to come. We hope to continue working
on construction and inspection contracts until the fields are
complete.

SECTION 07

CONTRACT NEWS

Europe & Africa

JEWEL IN THE NILE
FUGRO ENGINEERS ACTIVELY ENGAGED ON SAPPHIRE DEVELOPMENT

Fugro engineers are actively engaged on various engineering

aspects of the major Simian Sapphire development, offshore
Egypt under contract to Technip.
Much of the sub-sea development is in deep water on the edge
of the Nile delta front. Key requirements of the project include
provision of geotechnical design parameters for the sub-sea
structures, seismic design guidance for pipelines, foundation
design for PLET (Pipeline End Terminal) structures and pipeline
uplift resistance assessment.

Typical PLET structure

The soil conditions are very soft and evidence of previous slope
instability abound in some areas. Fugro has assisted with flowline routing to avoid the principal geotechnical hazards and has
developed a method for assessing the risk of slope instability
by considering the movement that could occur in a slope
during an earthquake.

Geotechnical vessel MV Bavenit

TAILORING DEEPWATER GEOTECHNICS

PLET structure foundation design is ongoing at the time of

writing and the size of the mud-mats is being optimised using
the latest failure envelope approach for bearing capacity
stability when overturning loads are important. The special
sliding system allows pipeline expansion without putting very
high loads on the PLET. An innovative approach for uplift
resistance was developed based on the behaviour of backfill
that consists of soft clay lumps in a matrix of slurry.
Experimental data and finite element analysis was combined in
order to understand the increase in uplift resistance that is
expected to occur after Technip installs the lines with a special
method of jet-trenching.

Decay of excess pore water pressure in bottom of trench

MAXIMISING VALUE OF COLLECTED DATA AND REDUCING OPERATION TIME AND COSTS

Fugro has a long pedigree in providing

site investigation services to the
offshore industry and performed its first
deepwater project in 1977 in 1,300m
water depths offshore Angola.
Technology has moved on somewhat
over the past 25 years but new
developments are still being sought to
maximise the value of collected data.
Site investigation work off the Gulf of
Guinea during spring 2003 brought some
major technical improvements to Fugros
service provision. The operator Total was
particularly concerned by the specific
nature of the deepwater soil conditions
encountered in the Moho-Bilondo site
offshore Congo and the Akpo field
offshore Nigeria. It was decided to
implement upgraded procedures with a
view to increasing the representativity of
the collected data.
The strategy recommended by Fugro
France was articulated around three
basic principles:
Combining different in-situ

08

SECTION

measurement techniques for a

better appraisal of complex
soil conditions
Adapting the tools to the
specification of each type of
engineering problem
Diversifying the sampling tools
according to well defined
objectives
In-situ shear vane tests were performed
using the Deepwater Seacalf seabed unit
to penetrations of typically 5m along
flowline routes of up to 30m at anchoring
locations. By comparison with close
CPTUs, this allowed a precise calibration
of the local Nk cone factor and a very
reliable derivation of shear strength
profiles with depth. Residual shear
strength measurements were made at
selected depths that provided highly
valuable data for estimating the sensitivity
of the materials.
T-bar tests were also implemented from
the Deepwater Seacalf. The tool has
demonstrated a high potential for an

accurate measurement of the in-situ

shear strength over the first metre(s) of
penetration that is of particular
importance for pipeline interaction
assessment. CPTU penetrations to 5m
were performed by the light (2T)
DeepWater Seascout module and
comparisons made with the T-bar results.
There is now evidence that samples
taken with the Stacor piston corer are of
high quality and characterised by low
disturbance indices. Along pipeline
routes where deep cores were not
necessary gravity coring was performed.
The advantage of gravity coring is to
reduce the operation time and the costs.
In parallel, the Fugro box corer was used
to recover undisturbed samples of the
very top sediments that are of great
concern for pipeline soil interactions.
The laboratory measurements performed
on the 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4m samples
confirmed the high quality of this
sampling mode and provided highly
accurate shear strength data to
characterise the seabed soils.

FPSO HEAVEN
PROVIDING A FULLY INTEGRATED SERVICE TO OPERATORS THROUGHOUT THE LIFECYCLE OF FPSO UNITS

Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units are

being used increasingly in deep and shallow water fields
offshore West Africa, bringing renowned and well documented
operational and budgetary efficiencies to the exploration
market. With 20 units already operational and another 30 being
planned for this area alone, Fugro sees its workload rapidly
expanding to meet the growing needs of FPSO operators.
To date, Fugro has been involved in the installation of all
operational units offshore West Africa through its eight local
offices, be it through pre-engineering surveys, pile installations,
sub-sea riser or infield flow-line installations. In addition, Fugro
has provided positioning support during over 50% of the
region's hook-up procedures using the highly accurate Starfix
positioning system.

vessels allows the marine co-ordinator to make calculated

decisions during the pressured hook-up operation.
Additional services such as weather forecasting during tow and
installation, ROV inspection of FPSOs and export lines, and
automated position monitoring systems ensure Fugro is well
positioned to provide a fully integrated service to operators
throughout the life cycle of FPSO units.
Picture courtesy of Single Buoy Moorings

Installation work usually commences with inspection of the pile

areas and anchor corridors. Piles are then installed and anchor
chains laid based on positional information provided by Fugro's
Starfix-HP, the accuracy of which negates the need for an LBL
array on the seabed affording installation time and cost
savings. Positioning of FPSO units themselves is a complex
procedure and the use of positional displays showing all related

SECTION 09

CONTRACT NEWS

Europe & Africa

JEWEL IN THE NILE
FUGRO ENGINEERS ACTIVELY ENGAGED ON SAPPHIRE DEVELOPMENT

Fugro engineers are actively engaged on various engineering

aspects of the major Simian Sapphire development, offshore
Egypt under contract to Technip.
Much of the sub-sea development is in deep water on the edge
of the Nile delta front. Key requirements of the project include
provision of geotechnical design parameters for the sub-sea
structures, seismic design guidance for pipelines, foundation
design for PLET (Pipeline End Terminal) structures and pipeline
uplift resistance assessment.

Typical PLET structure

The soil conditions are very soft and evidence of previous slope
instability abound in some areas. Fugro has assisted with flowline routing to avoid the principal geotechnical hazards and has
developed a method for assessing the risk of slope instability
by considering the movement that could occur in a slope
during an earthquake.

Geotechnical vessel MV Bavenit

TAILORING DEEPWATER GEOTECHNICS

PLET structure foundation design is ongoing at the time of

writing and the size of the mud-mats is being optimised using
the latest failure envelope approach for bearing capacity
stability when overturning loads are important. The special
sliding system allows pipeline expansion without putting very
high loads on the PLET. An innovative approach for uplift
resistance was developed based on the behaviour of backfill
that consists of soft clay lumps in a matrix of slurry.
Experimental data and finite element analysis was combined in
order to understand the increase in uplift resistance that is
expected to occur after Technip installs the lines with a special
method of jet-trenching.

Decay of excess pore water pressure in bottom of trench

MAXIMISING VALUE OF COLLECTED DATA AND REDUCING OPERATION TIME AND COSTS

Fugro has a long pedigree in providing

site investigation services to the
offshore industry and performed its first
deepwater project in 1977 in 1,300m
water depths offshore Angola.
Technology has moved on somewhat
over the past 25 years but new
developments are still being sought to
maximise the value of collected data.
Site investigation work off the Gulf of
Guinea during spring 2003 brought some
major technical improvements to Fugros
service provision. The operator Total was
particularly concerned by the specific
nature of the deepwater soil conditions
encountered in the Moho-Bilondo site
offshore Congo and the Akpo field
offshore Nigeria. It was decided to
implement upgraded procedures with a
view to increasing the representativity of
the collected data.
The strategy recommended by Fugro
France was articulated around three
basic principles:
Combining different in-situ

08

SECTION

measurement techniques for a

better appraisal of complex
soil conditions
Adapting the tools to the
specification of each type of
engineering problem
Diversifying the sampling tools
according to well defined
objectives
In-situ shear vane tests were performed
using the Deepwater Seacalf seabed unit
to penetrations of typically 5m along
flowline routes of up to 30m at anchoring
locations. By comparison with close
CPTUs, this allowed a precise calibration
of the local Nk cone factor and a very
reliable derivation of shear strength
profiles with depth. Residual shear
strength measurements were made at
selected depths that provided highly
valuable data for estimating the sensitivity
of the materials.
T-bar tests were also implemented from
the Deepwater Seacalf. The tool has
demonstrated a high potential for an

accurate measurement of the in-situ

shear strength over the first metre(s) of
penetration that is of particular
importance for pipeline interaction
assessment. CPTU penetrations to 5m
were performed by the light (2T)
DeepWater Seascout module and
comparisons made with the T-bar results.
There is now evidence that samples
taken with the Stacor piston corer are of
high quality and characterised by low
disturbance indices. Along pipeline
routes where deep cores were not
necessary gravity coring was performed.
The advantage of gravity coring is to
reduce the operation time and the costs.
In parallel, the Fugro box corer was used
to recover undisturbed samples of the
very top sediments that are of great
concern for pipeline soil interactions.
The laboratory measurements performed
on the 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4m samples
confirmed the high quality of this
sampling mode and provided highly
accurate shear strength data to
characterise the seabed soils.

FPSO HEAVEN
PROVIDING A FULLY INTEGRATED SERVICE TO OPERATORS THROUGHOUT THE LIFECYCLE OF FPSO UNITS

Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units are

being used increasingly in deep and shallow water fields
offshore West Africa, bringing renowned and well documented
operational and budgetary efficiencies to the exploration
market. With 20 units already operational and another 30 being
planned for this area alone, Fugro sees its workload rapidly
expanding to meet the growing needs of FPSO operators.
To date, Fugro has been involved in the installation of all
operational units offshore West Africa through its eight local
offices, be it through pre-engineering surveys, pile installations,
sub-sea riser or infield flow-line installations. In addition, Fugro
has provided positioning support during over 50% of the
region's hook-up procedures using the highly accurate Starfix
positioning system.

vessels allows the marine co-ordinator to make calculated

decisions during the pressured hook-up operation.
Additional services such as weather forecasting during tow and
installation, ROV inspection of FPSOs and export lines, and
automated position monitoring systems ensure Fugro is well
positioned to provide a fully integrated service to operators
throughout the life cycle of FPSO units.
Picture courtesy of Single Buoy Moorings

Installation work usually commences with inspection of the pile

areas and anchor corridors. Piles are then installed and anchor
chains laid based on positional information provided by Fugro's
Starfix-HP, the accuracy of which negates the need for an LBL
array on the seabed affording installation time and cost
savings. Positioning of FPSO units themselves is a complex
procedure and the use of positional displays showing all related

SECTION 09

CONTRACT NEWS

Asia Pacific
CHANNEL SURVEYING

RV EASTERN SUCCESS CONTINUES

MAPPING THE WAY FOR WOODSIDES TSEP

PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF SPECIFIC AREAS

CHALLENGING PROJECT IN COMPLEX ENVIRONMENT

PROVIDING DATA FOR POST-LAY INTERVENTION

The Port Hedland Port Authority recently contracted Fugro

Survey, based in Perth Australia, to undertake a bathymetric
survey of the entire length of the Port Hedland Shipping
Channel on the North West Australian Coast. Comprehensive
knowledge of the water depths was required along the
channel and other specified areas.

Fugros Indonesian operation rounded-off last year with a

challenging project for its geophysical survey vessel, the
RV Eastern.

As a key part of the ongoing North West Shelf TSEP

(Trunkline System Expansion Project) headed by Woodside
Energy, Perth based Fugro Survey was contracted to carry
out seabed bottom roughness and anchor pattern surveys
prior to the pipeline installation phase.

Commissioned by Petronas Carigali to conduct a 2D seismic

project offshore Sumatra at the southern end of the Malacca
Straits, Fugro was required to survey one of the busiest
shipping lanes in the world, with much of the location in waters
of less than five metres, amidst extensive fishing activities.
Due to the complexities of the location, a total of three vessels
were used to support the operation of the Eastern. The MV
Askelad analogue survey vessel and a charter vessel were used
simultaneously in chase boat activities whilst an additional
launch was employed for liaison with local fisheries. Shore
control and liaison facilities were established in the area
including a tidal monitoring station to ensure effective
management of the project. This survey followed a
reconnaissance survey of the area conducted by Fugro earlier
in the year.
The RV Eastern spends approximately half of her operational
time on projects within Indonesia and is expected to return
again in early 2004 for pending projects such as digital site
surveys for BP. Fugro Indonesia currently supports long-term
call-out contracts for BP and CNOOC, as well as other spot
requirements for surveys from many other clients.

The bottom roughness survey, awarded by Saipem as the

pipeline installation contractor, was conducted along the
proposed pipeline route. This spans from the offshore
intersection with the Goodwyn interfield pipeline, approximately
135km offshore Dampier, to the shallow water approach to the
North West Shelf partners LNG plant. The purpose of this
survey was to provide data to determine the probable
distribution and severity of pipeline free-spans following the
installation, and to plan for any post-lay intervention that may
be needed.

determine the competency of the shallow geology for the

dredging of a pipeline trench. This enabled acoustic velocities
to be measured within the upper sediment/rock layers from
which material strength can be derived. Boskalis was then able
to determine the extent of the dredging programme and the
techniques to be utilised.

Anchor pattern surveying was commissioned for problem areas

along the proposed pipe route where the anchoring of the
pipeline lay barges needed critical control. In particular, surveys
were conducted in shallow water in the Mermaid Sound where
bed-rock is exposed at the seabed and in deeper water areas
close to the North Rankin A platform where precise positioning
of anchors is required to avoid the existing seabed
infrastructure. As some of the anchor locations are within water
depths of less than five metres, Fugro provided a shallow water
catamaran to survey these areas.
Fugros involvement in the TSEP construction phase of the
project has been widespread with additional surveys carried out
for Boskalis, who commissioned a refraction survey to
MV Shaheda conducts the offshore survey work

WINNING OVER CHINA

10 YEAR EXTENSION TO JOINT VENTURE CONTRACT

Enhanced sun-illuminated image displaying detail of the dredge cutter and scouring within the channel

Previously, the channel had been surveyed using a single beam

echo-sounder. On this occasion, Fugro utilised its Reson
Seabat 8101 multi-beam echo-sounder to capture a 56m
corridor of data from a single survey pass in water depths of
14m. The Companys sub-metre positioning system Starfix-HP
was also used alongside high-precision motion sensors to
provide an excellent data set for the client. This included
standard topographic charts, the inclusion of sun-illuminated
seafloor images, and a fly-through video of the data providing a
3D motion image of the channel.
The data has provided an invaluable source of information for
the Port Hedland Port Authority aiding channel maintenance
planning and, due to the high production rate and quality of the
bathymetric data acquired, Fugro was requested to survey
additional seabed in the vicinity of the channel approaches.

10

SECTION

Fugro has taken over the foreign partner stake in China

Offshore Thales GeoSolutions (COTG), a 50/50 joint
venture established in 1983 with China Offshore Services
Ltd (COSL).
COTG is one of the earliest JVs of its kind in China, and
one of the most successful. When the JV contract recently
came up for renewal, both parties had no hesitation in
agreeing a further 10-year extension to the partnership. The
newly enhanced operation will be renamed China Offshore
Fugro GeoSolutions (Tianjin) Co (COFGL).
The company is well established as the premier provider of
precise positioning systems to the Chinese offshore
industry and has more recently developed its product
portfolio by introducing work class ROVs for drill rig
support, IRM and construction support tasks. The change
in foreign partner ownership further strengthens the
technical capabilities of COFGL and broadens its existing
resource pool of 75 people located at operational bases in
Shekou, Tianjin and Shanghai.

SECTION 11

CONTRACT NEWS

Asia Pacific
CHANNEL SURVEYING

RV EASTERN SUCCESS CONTINUES

MAPPING THE WAY FOR WOODSIDES TSEP

PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF SPECIFIC AREAS

CHALLENGING PROJECT IN COMPLEX ENVIRONMENT

PROVIDING DATA FOR POST-LAY INTERVENTION

The Port Hedland Port Authority recently contracted Fugro

Survey, based in Perth Australia, to undertake a bathymetric
survey of the entire length of the Port Hedland Shipping
Channel on the North West Australian Coast. Comprehensive
knowledge of the water depths was required along the
channel and other specified areas.

Fugros Indonesian operation rounded-off last year with a

challenging project for its geophysical survey vessel, the
RV Eastern.

As a key part of the ongoing North West Shelf TSEP

(Trunkline System Expansion Project) headed by Woodside
Energy, Perth based Fugro Survey was contracted to carry
out seabed bottom roughness and anchor pattern surveys
prior to the pipeline installation phase.

Commissioned by Petronas Carigali to conduct a 2D seismic

project offshore Sumatra at the southern end of the Malacca
Straits, Fugro was required to survey one of the busiest
shipping lanes in the world, with much of the location in waters
of less than five metres, amidst extensive fishing activities.
Due to the complexities of the location, a total of three vessels
were used to support the operation of the Eastern. The MV
Askelad analogue survey vessel and a charter vessel were used
simultaneously in chase boat activities whilst an additional
launch was employed for liaison with local fisheries. Shore
control and liaison facilities were established in the area
including a tidal monitoring station to ensure effective
management of the project. This survey followed a
reconnaissance survey of the area conducted by Fugro earlier
in the year.
The RV Eastern spends approximately half of her operational
time on projects within Indonesia and is expected to return
again in early 2004 for pending projects such as digital site
surveys for BP. Fugro Indonesia currently supports long-term
call-out contracts for BP and CNOOC, as well as other spot
requirements for surveys from many other clients.

The bottom roughness survey, awarded by Saipem as the

pipeline installation contractor, was conducted along the
proposed pipeline route. This spans from the offshore
intersection with the Goodwyn interfield pipeline, approximately
135km offshore Dampier, to the shallow water approach to the
North West Shelf partners LNG plant. The purpose of this
survey was to provide data to determine the probable
distribution and severity of pipeline free-spans following the
installation, and to plan for any post-lay intervention that may
be needed.

determine the competency of the shallow geology for the

dredging of a pipeline trench. This enabled acoustic velocities
to be measured within the upper sediment/rock layers from
which material strength can be derived. Boskalis was then able
to determine the extent of the dredging programme and the
techniques to be utilised.

Anchor pattern surveying was commissioned for problem areas

along the proposed pipe route where the anchoring of the
pipeline lay barges needed critical control. In particular, surveys
were conducted in shallow water in the Mermaid Sound where
bed-rock is exposed at the seabed and in deeper water areas
close to the North Rankin A platform where precise positioning
of anchors is required to avoid the existing seabed
infrastructure. As some of the anchor locations are within water
depths of less than five metres, Fugro provided a shallow water
catamaran to survey these areas.
Fugros involvement in the TSEP construction phase of the
project has been widespread with additional surveys carried out
for Boskalis, who commissioned a refraction survey to
MV Shaheda conducts the offshore survey work

WINNING OVER CHINA

10 YEAR EXTENSION TO JOINT VENTURE CONTRACT

Enhanced sun-illuminated image displaying detail of the dredge cutter and scouring within the channel

Previously, the channel had been surveyed using a single beam

echo-sounder. On this occasion, Fugro utilised its Reson
Seabat 8101 multi-beam echo-sounder to capture a 56m
corridor of data from a single survey pass in water depths of
14m. The Companys sub-metre positioning system Starfix-HP
was also used alongside high-precision motion sensors to
provide an excellent data set for the client. This included
standard topographic charts, the inclusion of sun-illuminated
seafloor images, and a fly-through video of the data providing a
3D motion image of the channel.
The data has provided an invaluable source of information for
the Port Hedland Port Authority aiding channel maintenance
planning and, due to the high production rate and quality of the
bathymetric data acquired, Fugro was requested to survey
additional seabed in the vicinity of the channel approaches.

10

SECTION

Fugro has taken over the foreign partner stake in China

Offshore Thales GeoSolutions (COTG), a 50/50 joint
venture established in 1983 with China Offshore Services
Ltd (COSL).
COTG is one of the earliest JVs of its kind in China, and
one of the most successful. When the JV contract recently
came up for renewal, both parties had no hesitation in
agreeing a further 10-year extension to the partnership. The
newly enhanced operation will be renamed China Offshore
Fugro GeoSolutions (Tianjin) Co (COFGL).
The company is well established as the premier provider of
precise positioning systems to the Chinese offshore
industry and has more recently developed its product
portfolio by introducing work class ROVs for drill rig
support, IRM and construction support tasks. The change
in foreign partner ownership further strengthens the
technical capabilities of COFGL and broadens its existing
resource pool of 75 people located at operational bases in
Shekou, Tianjin and Shanghai.

SECTION 11

Case Study
HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYING IN LABRADOR
FUGRO IN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERING

Fugro Jacques GeoSurveys was contracted during the

summer of 2003 to conduct hydrographic survey work in
support of shipping activities surrounding the Voiseys Bay
Nickel Project in northern Labrador, Canada. The massive
sulphide deposit, initially found in 1993, is one of the worlds
richest deposits of its type, containing 30 million tonnes of
ore, as well as another 70 million tonnes of indicated and
inferred mineral resource.
The proposed mine port facility is located at the head of
Anaktalak Bay, a 60km long fjord extending into the rugged
heart of northern Labrador. The coastline outside the bay is
highly variable and extremely rugged, with numerous islands
and shoals that are only partially charted. As a result,
significant hydrographic work was required to accommodate
modern bulk carrier shipping to and from the mine site.
Fugro had conducted survey work of the shipping routes in
1996 and 1997 using single beam echo-sounders, as mandated
by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) at the time. At the
end of 1997, the bulk of the work remaining was in the form of
shoal investigations on the Eastern Route. However, project
completion was delayed by a subsequent lull in mine
development. With the resurrection of the project in 2003, the
need to complete the Eastern Route mapping was crucial. With
in excess of 250 shoals requiring full investigation for least
depth determination, the usage of multi-beam echo-sounder
(MBES) became very attractive and was confirmed with CHS
acceptance of MBES data for charting purposes.

Equipped with a multi-beam and single beam transducer, the

MV Marine Eagle commenced 24-hour survey operations in late
August. Areas containing hazardous shoals, rocks and islands
were surveyed during daylight, while deeper waters and clearer
areas were surveyed at night. The survey team had to be
continuously aware of unique hazards in this region including
icebergs and bears curious about the shoreline surveys.
Certainly the most demanding challenge was the fact that the
seafloor was of an extremely variable nature. The region has
the topography of a submerged fjord, with meandering and
bifurcating channels fringed by steep sides and plateaus.
Despite this, good quality data and imagery was acquired, even
in areas of near vertical rock faces. Tidal data was downloaded
on a regular basis and used to reduce soundings to chart
datum. Sound velocity casts, used to correct soundings for
speed of sound in water and ray bending effects, were
conducted at least twice daily.
The data set confirmed the topography defined by the previous
data sets, albeit with much higher data density resulting in
electronic chart-quality data that will become an integral part of
the Voiseys Bay Project.
CHS involvement was important in providing real-time quality
control, and hopefully provided a template for further examples
of private-public partnering.

PO Box 41
2260 AA Leidschendam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 311 1422
For further information, please email: crosssection@fugro.com

www.fugro.com
NO OTHER COMPANY CAN PROVIDE THE SAME COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF GEOTECHNICAL, SURVEY AND GEOSCIENCE SERVICES

12

SECTION