Fugro Wins Saipem Survey Contract for UK's First CO2 Storage Pipeline

Fugro has been awarded a contract by Saipem to deliver integrated marine survey and inspection services for the Northern Endurance Partnership, the UK's first CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure project. The company will provide nearshore and offshore survey operations supporting pipeline installation from landfall through to connection with existing offshore infrastructure. The project aims to unlock up to one billion tonnes of CO2 storage capacity beneath the North Sea to decarbonise some of the UK's most carbon-intensive industrial regions.

 

Details of the Contract

 

Fugro has secured the contract from Saipem to support a landmark carbon capture project. The work involves delivering integrated marine survey and inspection services for the Northern Endurance Partnership. Saipem is leading the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of the offshore pipeline and associated infrastructure. The partnership itself is an incorporated joint venture between bp, Equinor and TotalEnergies. This structure brings together major energy companies behind the UK's first such project.

The contract positions Fugro as a key survey partner for a complex offshore installation. The company will support pipeline installation across both nearshore and offshore environments. Its role spans the full route from landfall through to connection with existing offshore infrastructure. This comprehensive scope covers the pipeline along its entire length. The award places Fugro at the centre of the project's data-gathering activities.

 

The Northern Endurance Partnership Project

 

The Northern Endurance Partnership represents a significant step in UK carbon storage. It is the country's first CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure project. The programme aims to access up to one billion tonnes of CO2 storage capacity beneath the North Sea. This vast capacity is intended to store emissions captured from industrial sources. The scale of the storage potential underlines the project's strategic importance.

The project targets the decarbonisation of some of the UK's most carbon-intensive regions. It aims to reduce emissions from heavy industry while supporting continued industrial activity. Once operational, the infrastructure will play a key role in cutting regional emissions. It is also intended to strengthen regional energy security. This dual focus links climate goals with the preservation of industrial employment and output.

 

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Nearshore Survey Operations

 

Fugro's work includes detailed operations in the nearshore environment. Nearshore activities will focus on pre-lay surveys from the tunnel exit. These surveys will extend several kilometres offshore from the point of landfall. This early work establishes the seabed conditions before pipeline installation begins. Accurate pre-lay data is essential for planning the safe laying of the pipeline.

The company will also monitor the pipeline as it is installed. Installation monitoring will take place as the pipeline is pulled out to sea. This confirms that the pipeline is being laid according to its design. It also allows any unexpected seabed changes to be identified early. Catching such changes promptly helps prevent complications during the installation process.

 

Offshore Survey and Verification

 

Further offshore, Fugro's responsibilities broaden to cover the wider pipeline route. The company will provide surveys, installation support and verification along the route. This includes work at points where the pipeline crosses third-party pipelines and cables. Such crossings represent technically sensitive points that require careful management. Detailed survey work at these locations helps reduce the risk of interference or damage.

This combined scope delivers what the company describes as a source-to-seabed approach. The approach provides Saipem with consistent, reliable geo-data along the entire route. Continuous data of this kind helps reduce installation risk across the project. It also supports efficient project delivery by informing decision-making throughout. This end-to-end coverage is presented as a distinctive feature of Fugro's role.

 

Significance for the Energy Transition

 

The project marks an important milestone for the UK's decarbonisation efforts. Fugro leadership described the partnership as the UK's first major carbon capture and storage project. This status makes it a significant reference point for future projects. Company representatives expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the energy transition. Their involvement connects the survey work to broader climate objectives.

The collaboration highlights the role of survey data in managing complex offshore work. Fugro emphasised working closely with Saipem across nearshore and offshore environments. This cooperation spans early surveys through to the installation phase. The resulting data supports informed decision-making along a technically complex route. This helps Saipem manage risk while delivering the infrastructure central to the project's goals.