Established a decade ago, Next Geosolutions is a leading international contractor for marine geoscience surveys and offshore construction support services. Sustainability Manager Francesco Varriale and Business Development Manager Francesco Fevola discussed Next Geosolutions’ work within the sustainable energy sector and investments into new technology. Report by Antonia Cole.
Next Geosolutions (NextGeo) is a leading provider of marine geoscience surveys and offshore construction support services specialising in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy and sustainability across all dimensions.
Established at the end of 2014, NextGeo is active in national and international markets, supporting customers operating primarily in the submarine power cable sector and offshore wind industry.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, the company has expanded to have bases located in Norwich, UK, and IJmuiden, The Netherlands. These bases have facilitated and enhanced NextGeo’s growth and capabilities.
Primarily serving the renewable energy industry, the majority of the company’s work consists of supporting the design, engineering and construction of offshore energy infrastructures, thus working sideby-side with customers along the whole life-cycle of projects.
The company employs over 300 people, who work to provide customers with the data and support necessary to complete their projects to the highest quality and safety standards. As well as this, a fleet of state-of-the-art Dynamic Positioning (DP) class 2 vessels allow the company to offer a broad portfolio of specialised services.
From marine geophysical, geotechnical, environmental, archaeological and UXO surveying to offshore construction and support services, NextGeo provides highquality solutions to the marine industry.
“Our goal is to help provide safe, efficient and accessible sustainable energy sources to the world,” said Sustainability Manager Francesco Varriale. “We are supporting the transition to renewable energy to preserve and protect the environment.”
Complete capabilities
In 2023, 86% of NextGeo’s projects were for the renewable energy sector and the company saw a record revenue of approximately €150 million. Due to the company’s fleet, equipment and team, it is able to manage multiple complex projects operating concurrently.
NextGeo supports clients through each phase of a project. Beginning with the concept, the company offers a wide range of integrated desktop studies and survey services to assist in the planning of projects. Then, using advanced technology, NextGeo progresses the design and engineering process through a broad portfolio of preliminary survey activities.
Once the project moves into action, the company operates its advanced fleet and state-of-the-art ROVs to support in construction and installation. NextGeo then provides inspection, repair and maintenance services throughout the project’s duration using nearshore and offshore vessels, ROV, ROTV, AUV, ASV or divers, minimising delays. Finally, the com -
pany assists in the decommissioning of offshore assets and infrastructures, in compliance with QHSE policies and environmental responsibilities.
“Throughout every project, the safety of staff and the environment is a paramount topic for us,” explained Business Development Manager Francesco Fevola.
“Due to our expertise in the industry, as well as in sustainability, we are able to advise our clients aiming to reduce the environmental impact of their operation. Whether this be improved efficiency or best asset use, we are always finding ways to support our clients and the environment.”
The company’s high-quality service and support has led to rapid growth and development. To maintain its growing position within the industry, NextGeo has
invested into R&D. This resulted in various innovation initiatives, including the recent acquisition of a new survey ROV, the HSS-ROV Superior.
This ROV is a high-speed, powerful and versatile survey class hydraulic ROV system with a hydrodynamic structure and real-time control system. The ROV can reach depths of up to 3,000 metres and survey speeds of up to six nautical miles per hour, whilst ensuring high-quality data acquisition.
Only a few of this particular model exist worldwide, so far. This advanced ROV allows NextGeo to provide clients with efficient and accurate surveys. The advanced speed of the ROV means that operations can be completed quicker, minimising costs and carbon emissions.
Supporting the shift
NextGeo has always operated with the highest commitment to limit carbon emissions and ensures the safety of employees, having ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015, 45001:2018 and Safety Culture Ladder certifications. The company has focused on improving
the efficiency of operations, to minimise environmental impacts.
Through investing in vessel operation management, the company is able to plan and organise vessel distribution to reduce unproductive tasks. In operations, vessels emit greenhouse gases, so by identifying and eliminating unnecessary journeys, NextGeo minimises emissions.
Also, the company uses very low-sulphur fuels and has done since its foundation.
NextGeo is currently in the process of researching and testing the use of biofuels on vessels to further reduce carbon emissions. Through this, NextGeo expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% upon implementation.
“Not only are we working to promote sustainability within our own operations,” said Mr Varriale. “We promote sustainability throughout Europe with our work in the renewable energy sector. Through our projects, specifically in the offshore wind industry, green energy becomes more accessible and widely used, reducing carbon emissions internationally.”
“We have been working through our site in the Netherlands to support the Dutch gov-
ernment’s roadmap to significantly improve offshore wind capacity by 2030, impacting the entire country.”
Progress and partnership Projects, such as those in the Netherlands, are made possible through the establishment of strong and long-lasting partnerships. NextGeo tries to build relationships with local suppliers to better serve the client, contribute to the local economy and minimise environmental impacts.
“Our partner relationships are always professional, but still friendly,” explained Mr Fevola. “We are open and honest in all
our communications; this is the foundation of building a strong relationship. Our final aim is to achieve the best results for our clients. We do this thanks to our valuable human and technical resources, as well as through collaboration with our partners.”
NextGeo ensures environmental and ethical standards throughout its supply chain by choosing partners whose policies align with its own. The company requests the policies of partners to evaluate and assess them, plus NextGeo shares its policies to encourage progression.
The company is planning to expand the capacity of operations to make an even bigger impact in the shift towards renewable energy, as well as to improve the environmental measures within its own practices.
“Everything we do is driven by innovation,” concluded Mr Varriale. “NextGeo is constantly investing into research and development to improve the capabilities and efficiency of the company. We will continue to utilise new technologies and pioneer the way for sustainable marine geoscience and offshore construction support services.” n
