Dutch geo-data specialist Fugro has secured a contract from Saipem to provide integrated marine survey and inspection services for the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP), the United Kingdom’s first large-scale carbon dioxide (CO?) transportation and storage infrastructure project.
The NEP, a joint venture of bp, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, is developing offshore infrastructure to transport and permanently store captured carbon beneath the North Sea. Saipem is responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the offshore pipeline and related facilities.
Designed with access to an estimated one billion tonnes of underground CO? storage capacity, the project is expected to play a significant role in decarbonising some of the UK’s most carbon-intensive industrial regions while supporting industrial production and enhancing long-term energy security.
Under the contract, Fugro will conduct a comprehensive programme of nearshore and offshore marine surveys and inspection services to support the installation of the CO? pipeline, from the landfall point to its connection with existing offshore infrastructure.
The nearshore scope includes pre-lay seabed surveys extending several kilometres offshore from the tunnel exit, as well as real-time monitoring during pipeline installation to ensure accurate placement and detect any unexpected seabed changes.
Offshore, Fugro will carry out route surveys, installation support and verification activities along the pipeline corridor, including inspections at crossings with existing subsea pipelines and telecommunications cables. The company said its integrated “source-to-seabed” geo-data approach will provide consistent information throughout the project, helping reduce installation risks and improve execution efficiency.
Commenting on the award, Mike Duncan, Director of Marine Asset Integrity for Europe and Africa at Fugro, described the NEP as a landmark project for the energy transition.
“As the UK’s first major carbon capture and storage project, NEP represents an important milestone in the country’s decarbonisation journey. By supporting Saipem with integrated survey and inspection services from the early planning stages through installation, we are helping to improve decision-making and manage technical risks across this complex offshore development,” he said.
The Northern Endurance Partnership is expected to become a cornerstone of the UK’s carbon capture and storage strategy, enabling industries to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while advancing the country’s net-zero ambitions.
