Fugro has been appointed to lead the development of a standardised Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Framework for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), a set of emerging techniques aimed at increasing the ocean’s natural carbon storage capacity. The project, commissioned by non-profit organisation Ocean Visions, is intended to support regulatory permitting by offering a consistent, evidence-based approach to evaluating potential environmental impacts.
As carbon removal gains attention as a necessary addition to emissions reduction efforts, ocean-based approaches—such as enhancing ocean alkalinity, cultivating seaweed, and extracting carbon directly from seawater—are being explored. While these techniques may contribute to climate goals, concerns remain about their impact on marine ecosystems and coastal communities, necessitating thorough environmental assessments.
“Marine carbon dioxide removal has the potential to become a tool in addressing climate change—but it must be tested for both safety and effectiveness,” said Brad Ack, Chief Executive of Ocean Visions. He added that Fugro’s experience in environmental assessment and offshore monitoring positioned it to lead the work.
Fugro, working with US-based Integral Consulting and the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, will develop and trial the framework over a two-year period. The final version, expected in 2027, will be made publicly available and is intended for use by researchers, regulators and local communities evaluating mCDR proposals.
Céline Gerson, Group Director for the Americas at Fugro, said the company would apply its offshore environmental risk expertise to this initiative.
The project aims to provide clarity and consistency in how mCDR methods are assessed, amid growing interest in carbon removal technologies and their role in global climate strategies.
