Fugro CEO to join hydrographic leaders at international hydrographic organization assembly

Held once every three years, the IHO Assembly convenes delegates from 98 Member States to provide general guidance on its operations and to shape the future of hydrography and ocean mapping. Fugro’s inclusion on this year’s programme underscores the role industry has to play in advancing ocean knowledge and promoting a sustainable blue economy.

Heine’s speech is scheduled during a thematic block on ocean mapping chaired by IHO Director Admiral Luigi Sinapi. The session will begin with remarks from the General Bathymetric Chart of the Ocean (GEBCO), an international group of mapping experts with a 120-year track record of providing the most authoritative publicly available bathymetry of the world’s oceans. The Nippon Foundation of Japan, a non-profit philanthropic organisation with a global presence, will also address the Assembly during this block, as will The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project (Seabed 2030), which aims to inspire ocean mapping for the benefit of people and the planet. As a Founding Partner of Seabed 2030, Fugro has well-established relationships with each of these organizations, sharing their commitment to promoting ocean knowledge through accurate and accessible mapping data.

”As a representative of industry, I’m honoured to speak before the IHO Assembly, presenting on a subject that’s essential to Fugro’s purpose of creating a safe and liveable world together,” Heine said. “A fully mapped ocean provides the tools we need to effectively restore ocean health and deliver a sustainable ocean economy for all countries. To meet these goals, industry must become true partners in the effort. That means sharing data and resources while balancing short- and long-term interests and integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations into decision-making.”

In addition to Heine, several other Fugro executives will attend the meeting, including Government Accounts Director David Millar, Ocean Science and Hydrography Director Marco Filippone, Africa Director Jaco Stemmet, and Law of the Sea Director Robert van de Poll.

Fugro will also host a stand in the exhibition hall where attendees can learn about Fugro’s advanced hydrographic mapping capabilities, including remote and autonomous airborne, surface and underwater solutions that are providing safer, more efficient and more sustainable approaches to hydrography.