COVE is a Canadian-based global technology partner located on Halifax Harbour, advancing high-impact solutions from seabed to space. It brings together a diverse community of marine technology companies, research organizations, government bodies, and service providers to transform innovation into market-ready technologies. The facility offers direct access to deepwater infrastructure and specialized capabilities that support applied ocean science, testing, and offshore operations.
A key focus for Fugro’s work at COVE is the expanded use of remote and autonomous technologies suited to Atlantic Canada’s coastal and offshore environments. These approaches support safer ways of working by reducing offshore exposure for personnel and lowering the environmental footprint of offshore activity, while continuing to deliver the high‑quality, reliable marine ge‑data required for operations in safety‑critical environments.
The scope of this work includes seafloor mapping and subsea inspection surveys carried out using a fleet of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and electric remotely operated vehicles (eROVs). Fugro also delivers full water‑column and coastal mapping using its Rapid Airborne Multibeam Mapping System (RAMMS), which can be deployed from small, crewed aircraft or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
“Fugro’s decision to be located at COVE’s facility in Dartmouth, Canada, highlights the strength of Canada’s marine sector and the importance of collaboration in advancing offshore innovation,” said Melanie Nadeau, CEO of COVE. “With Fugro’s global expertise in Geo-data and autonomous technologies, there’s great opportunities for shared knowledge and partnerships to enable safer, more sustainable offshore operations.”
“COVE places us at the heart of offshore activity on Canada’s east coast,” said Mark MacDonald, Director of Hydrography for Fugro in the Americas. “From here, we can work closely with clients and partners as offshore work continues to evolve—from new offshore wind development to growing defense and marine infrastructure requirements. Being part of this environment allows us to bring together the right mix of offshore expertise, technology, and delivery approaches to support projects as they are planned, built, and operated.”
Fugro’s move to COVE aligns with the company’s operations in St. John’s, where it delivers marine geotechnical and survey services and operates a regional Remote Operations Center supporting the delivery of remote and autonomous offshore survey projects. Together, these two offices are meeting Canada’s offshore needs through a combination of local delivery, specialist expertise, and remote coordination.
