We recently sat down with Darren Walley, Global Training Centre Manager at Fugro to talk all about marine innovation.
Turnchapel Wharf is home to Fugro’s state-of-the-art purpose-built training facility here in Britain’s Ocean City, providing training courses for surveys, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and uncrewed survey vessels (USVs).
Check out our latest Business Spotlight to learn more about Fugro.
What is the name of the company and how long have you been in Plymouth?
Fugro was established in 1962. We have been in Plymouth since 2015, when we opened our Global Technical Training Centre.
What is the sector that you specialise in?
As the world's leading Geo-data specialist, we support customers in three key markets: energy, water and infrastructure. At the office in Plymouth, we run Fugro’s Global Technical Training Centre providing training for employees.
In 20 words, how would you describe the business?
We map, model and monitor the built and natural environments, unlocking Geo-data insights for a safe and liveable world.
Do you supply to Plymouth/SW/UK-wide/overseas?
Worldwide.
What would you say was your best-selling product/service?
We provide pin-point positioning, monitoring and data visualisation services for construction projects. Once an asset is operational, we use our cutting-edge technologies to continuously monitor and analyse its structural integrity. We then apply insights from our Geo-data to identify structural vulnerabilities before they become problematic; help the customer to optimise asset use, reliability and longevity; and support regulatory compliance.
What would you say is the best thing about doing business in Plymouth?
Plymouth is a close-knit local community, which is a big plus point for us. The way that the city embraces new technology, companies and employees moving into the local area makes Plymouth an excellent base for innovative organisations, including start-ups.
And what of the future … where do you see Fugro in 10 years’ time?
During the next 10 years we will continue to innovate in the fields of artificial intelligence and automation technologies, supported by expanded technical training provision. In this way, we’ll help to position Plymouth as a global centre of excellence for innovation.
And how about yourself … how long have you worked at Fugro and what is your role?
I have been with Fugro for 17 years. I started in the Middle East in the role of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Pilot, then worked my way up from Offshore Superintendent to Vessel Manager to Global ROV Training Manager. I now run Fugro’s Technical Training Centre in Plymouth.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I like touring Devon on my motorbike and meeting new people.
If you could have a business lunch with anyone who could significantly influence you/the business, who would that be and why?
As a veteran of the Royal Air Force, I advocate the need for companies to look after our veterans. I also want to help Plymouth grow globally. For these reasons, my business lunch partner would have to be Penny Mordaunt, who was leader of the House of Commons.