Fugro has announced a partnership with DTACT, a high-tech software company, and Ubotica, a leader in AI-powered satellite intelligence, to develop a unique data fusion and intelligence platform. This solution is designed to provide government organisations with the information needed to strengthen national security and safeguard critical underwater infrastructure.

Underwater pipelines, communication cables, and other subsea assets are essential to modern society, supporting global economies and daily life. Threats to this vital infrastructure can severely disrupt energy supply and connectivity. To counter these growing risks, a unified platform combining multiple data sources will enable authorities to detect, identify, monitor and act on suspicious maritime activities, ensuring timely insights and intervention.

“Fugro is committed to supporting safe and sustainable maritime operations,” said Ivar de Josselin de Jong, Director of Strategy and Government Relations for Fugro’s Maritime Security and Surveillance business. “This partnership with DTACT and Ubotica allows us to integrate additional intelligence into our Geo-data, enabling information-driven operations for national security efforts.”

Fugro will provide comprehensive Geo-data collected using its range of advanced autonomous solutions, including uncrewed surface vessels, underwater vehicles, and aerial drones, all managed through specialised remote operations. Ubotica will provide near real-time satellite vessel tracking data using its AI-driven acquisition technologies. DTACT will then use its data fusion capabilities to combine Fugro’s Geo-data and Ubotica’s satellite intelligence with countless other data streams, delivering a comprehensive intelligence picture for informed risk assessment and decision support.

“Our partnership with Fugro and Ubotica brings together crucial capabilities,” said Sander Swinkels, CEO and co-founder of DTACT. “The synergy created by combining Fugro's global Geo-data and maritime expertise with Ubotica’s satellite intelligence allows our data fusion platform to create a complete and unified picture vital for protecting subsea assets.”

Fintan Buckley, CEO of Ubotica added: “Real-time intelligence is transformative for maritime situational awareness. The combined space-to-seabed surveillance and response capability that we are developing through this partnership is a game-changer. This integrated approach, bringing together our insights with Fugro and DTACT, creates enhanced maritime awareness and a near real-time response capability that will secure critical underwater infrastructure well into the future.”

This marks a unique industry collaboration and a major step forward in the monitoring and protection of underwater infrastructure. The solution will initially focus on serving governmental organisations in the North Sea and Baltic regions.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Fugro