Fugro has entered into a EUR 150 million unsecured financing facility with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support the ongoing development and deployment of its uncrewed surface vessel (USV) technology. The facility will support the phased expansion of Fugro’s remote operations capabilities.
The funding is available for eligible costs incurred between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2031. Drawings under the facility have maturities of up to ten years, providing dedicated long-term funding certainty to support Fugro’s technology roadmap. The facility ranks pari passu with Fugro’s existing senior debt and enhances Fugro’s financial flexibility.
In parallel, Fugro has secured a two-year extension on the maturity of its existing senior unsecured debt facilities to December 2031. The syndicated facilities comprise a EUR 400 million revolving credit facility and EUR 100 million term loan, with the extension agreed on the same terms as those secured in December 2024.
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Accelerating Europe’s energy transition
Mark Heine, CEO: ‘The EIB’s support is a strong endorsement of Fugro’s leading position in the digitalisation and transformation of the maritime survey industry. Uncrewed surface vessels and remote operations are an important part of our long-term strategy –enhancing safety, reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency. This long-term financing facility gives us the flexibility to deploy these technologies in a disciplined and phased manner, aligned with market developments.’
‘Fugro provides the data and expertise that underpin major offshore investments, from wind farms to subsea cables,’ adds EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot. ‘By supporting the deployment of advanced digital maritime technologies, this financing helps accelerate Europe’s energy transition while strengthening the company’s leadership in a strategic sector.’
Picture: Last year, the Norwegian Hydrographic Service (NHS) has contracted Fugro to support the 2025 MAREANO seabed mapping programme. Fugro deployed its new 18-metre Blue Eclipse USV for the initiative (photo Fugro).
Also read: Fugro joins UK’s first carbon capture and storage project
