Fugro starts Mareano survey in Barents Sea

Fugro started the Mareano hydrographic survey encompassing an area of Norwegian waters of approximately 15,000sq km.

The MV Fugro Helmert, from Fugro.

The contract was awarded by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service and has a value of nearly US$4 million (NOK 34.5 million).

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

The main workscope comprises the collection of high resolution and density multibeam echo sounder data meeting standards set by the International Hydrographic Organization. To help improve the knowledge base of the ecosystem, 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 mobilized 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.