Fugro has started work on its first task under a recently awarded multi-year hydrographic services contract with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Located off the north-west coast of Florida, the project involves acquisition of high-resolution bathymetry data over four sites totaling approximately 1475 km2.
Deliverables will be issued to NOAA by December and they will use the information to update charted depths and features in the region, many of which predate the 1950s.
Fugro will deploy its new FAS-900 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) as a force multiplier on the project.
“ We are pleased to continue working with NOAA to update nautical charts in Florida using our own industry-leading technology, ” said Mark MacDonald , hydrography director for Fugro in the Americas.
“Deploying the FAS-900 on this year’s project will help ensure accurate and timely data collection ahead of peak hurricane season.”
In addition to addressing concerns related to migrating shoals in the region, Fugro’s 2020 task order will provide the first comprehensive mapping in the western portion of the Big Bend Region, which is a priority of the Florida Coastal Mapping Program, a federal-state initiative to collect modern high-resolution bathymetry for all of Florida’s coastal waters.