Fugro has named Niels Schallenberg as its new Group Director for Europe and Africa, effective July 1.
He steps into the role following Erik-Jan Bijvank’s departure in May to pursue new opportunities outside the company.
In his new position, Schallenberg will join the company’s Executive Leadership Team and oversee strategic development efforts across the Europe and Africa region.
Fugro highlighted the new Group Director ‘s strong background in climate resilience, digital innovation, and the energy transition, gained through leadership roles at organizations including Deloitte, Sweco (formerly Grontmij), Haskoning, and most recently, Arcadis.
In parallel with the leadership change, Fugro has also taken on a key role in advancing ocean-based carbon removal.
The company was selected by the nonprofit Ocean Visions to lead the creation of a standardized Environmental Impact Assessment Framework for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technologies. These emerging methods aim to boost the ocean’s natural carbon storage capacity.
Relevant: Fugro And Ocean Visions Partner On Novel Framework For Responsible mCDR
The two-year project will develop and test a science-based framework to evaluate the environmental implications of various mCDR strategies. The goal is to support regulatory approvals and community engagement by offering a transparent and adaptable review tool.
The finalized framework is set to be publicly released in 2027, offering guidance to researchers, policymakers, and coastal communities considering mCDR projects.
