Fugro Expands Seafloor Mapping Efforts to Strengthen Florida’s Coastline

Fugro is expanding its involvement in the Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative (FSMI), a long-term project led by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to survey the state’s underwater terrain.

The initiative aims to enhance coastal resilience, guide infrastructure development, and support environmental conservation efforts.

After previously securing a contract to capture 14,000 square kilometres of airborne lidar data for FSMI, Fugro has now launched vessel-based mapping across a vast 42,000-square-kilometre area offshore Florida.

This extensive new survey spans five of the six Florida DEP project regions, covering the full Atlantic coastline, the Florida Keys, and sections of the Gulf Coast. Originally initiated in late 2024 with a single research vessel, operations have rapidly scaled into a multi-ship mission. Fieldwork is coordinated through Fugro’s advanced VirGeo® system, ensuring real-time oversight and seamless collaboration with Florida DEP.

The destructive 2024 hurricane season underscored the urgent need for forward-thinking coastal management in Florida. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like Fugro, FSMI is acquiring critical data to help the state adapt to shifting shorelines and protect both communities and industries.

Mark MacDonald, Director of Hydrography for Fugro in the Americas, said, “We’re proud to contribute to the FSMI, an investment in Florida’s future and a programme that sets an example for other coastal regions.

“The programme’s fit-for-purpose data collection, deployed at scale, directly supports more effective coastal adaptation and mitigation strategies, maximising benefits to the state.”

Fugro is handling 65% of FSMI’s vessel-based survey work, highlighting its technical expertise and dedication to strengthening coastal resilience. Data collection is scheduled to wrap up in late 2025, with final results expected in 2026.