Through her multidisciplinary background in science and engineering, Dr Talia Sherrard has pursued a career helping engineering, consultancies and intergovernmental organisations to reduce costs, time and improve safety on their projects through the use of new technologies and Geo-data advice. The Service Line Manager – Consultant at Fugro Service Line Manager – Geophysics, Hydrography & Coastal Resilience at Fugro manages the Marine Geophysical and Hydrographic services at the firm, which provides clients with bathymetric data that enables safe maritime navigations, and infrastructure assessments to optimise maritime asset lifespans and operations.
A keen enthusiast of technology transfer, finding improved solutions to optimise project operations and cultivating information sharing and decision-making, Talia is proud to work in the Middle East and India region supporting the developing resilience of the maritime sector through digital transformation, green transition, and safety and sustainability.
In a conversation with Business Frontier on the sidelines of the recently-held COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Dr. Sherrard shared her insights on Fugro’s role in advancing maritime resilience through digital transformation, green transition, and sustainability.
Q. What role do you see emerging technologies playing in the energy transition, particularly within the regions you oversee?
Emerging technologies offer innovative solutions to help us harness new energy sources. In the Middle East, technologies like advanced remote sensing, autonomous monitoring systems, and AI-driven predictive analytics are revolutionising how we identify and manage energy projects. For example, high-resolution satellite imagery and drones enable precise site selection for renewable projects like offshore wind or solar farms, minimising environmental impact and maximising efficiency. AI and machine learning are enhancing our ability to forecast extreme weather patterns, allowing for proactive maintenance and improved resilience of critical infrastructure. Additionally, advancements in smart grid technology are ensuring that renewable energy can be efficiently integrated and managed, helping to stabilise supply in the face of fluctuating weather conditions. These innovations are not only making the transition smoother but also reducing risks and costs associated with new energy projects.
Q. How does Fugro’s expertise in geospatial data and marine services contribute to shaping the future of renewable energy projects?
Geospatial data or geo-data, plays a crucial role in advancing renewable energy projects, guiding developers through each phase of the project life cycle, from early site selection to long-term asset maintenance. Our comprehensive Geo-data capabilities enable clients to pinpoint the most suitable locations for renewable energy infrastructure, balancing economic viability with environmental stewardship. For instance, our site characterisation services deliver detailed information on seabed conditions, which is essential for the planning and construction of offshore wind farms, tidal energy systems, and other marine-based renewables.
By leveraging our expertise, clients gain the confidence to make well-informed decisions, mitigate risks, and streamline the timeline of their renewable energy initiatives, ultimately supporting a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
Q. What are the key challenges you face in driving sustainable energy initiatives, and how do you overcome these hurdles?
One of the main challenges in promoting sustainable energy is the inconsistency and lack of supportive policy frameworks. Although sustainability is a popular topic, putting concrete practices into action can be challenging—especially when businesses are shifting from traditional operations to sustainable ones. This transition often involves significant upfront costs, which can deter companies without clear incentives or guidance. Effective policies need to balance enforcement with support, offering realistic pathways for businesses to meet sustainability targets while recognising the financial implications of such a shift.
Q. What are the most exciting opportunities in the energy sector right now that could help accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future?
The most exciting opportunities in the energy sector right now stem from the increasing variety of viable renewable energy sources and the technological innovations driving their development. Beyond offshore wind, which has been the focus for many years, we are now seeing more interest in nuclear, solar, and even wave energy. This is a huge step forward in diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The Middle East, in particular, is well-placed to take advantage of solar energy, while wave and wind technologies are evolving in ways that make them more feasible in this region. What’s especially exciting is the cross-industry innovation. Technologies developed for the energy sector are now being applied to other industries, such as coastal resilience and ocean sciences. For instance, the technology used in offshore energy projects is now being adapted to enhance environmental protection efforts in low-income, developing countries. This interconnectedness of industries offers unique opportunities to create sustainable solutions and drive the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Q. How does Fugro balance the growing demand for energy development with the need to protect marine and coastal ecosystems?
We approach the balance between energy development and environmental protection through a risk-based strategy. Our focus is on de-risking opportunities for our clients by integrating sustainable practices into energy projects. By taking a holistic view, we ensure that energy infrastructure is designed and implemented with minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystems. For example, in offshore energy projects, we incorporate hybrid structures that enhance the natural environment, like artificial reefs created during the installation of offshore wind foundations. In port and harbour infrastructure projects, which tie into the energy industry, we enhance artificial habitats to support marine biodiversity. By focusing on long-term environmental impact, we are able to ensure that energy developments do not just meet energy demands but also contribute to the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Q. As ocean health becomes an increasingly urgent concern in the context of energy development, how does Fugro incorporate marine environmental protection in its offshore energy projects?
Our commitment to protecting the oceans is central to Fugro’s operations, and I had the privilege of representing Fugro at COP29, where I worked at the Oceans Pavilion as part of the Seabed 2030 program—a global initiative to map the entire ocean floor by 2030. This commitment is reflected in our continuous innovation and adoption of technologies that minimise our environmental footprint. In the past, data collection for offshore projects often required intrusive methods like drilling, which could disrupt marine habitats. Today, thanks to advancements in geophysical technology, we can obtain highly accurate data with minimal environmental disturbance. We employ remote sensing and non-intrusive survey techniques that eliminate the need to touch the seabed, significantly reducing the impact on marine ecosystems. This approach ensures our projects not only deliver the precise data necessary for safe and efficient offshore energy development but also adhere to best practices for marine environmental stewardship.
Q. Looking ahead, what emerging trends in energy and environmental technology do you believe will most significantly impact the Middle East and Asia?
I believe AI, machine learning, and digital twins will have a huge impact on the energy and environmental technology landscape. As the energy landscape becomes more complex, data is playing a central role in improving decision-making and operational efficiency. AI and machine learning help us make better use of vast amounts of data, improving its accuracy and enabling predictive modelling that can optimise energy production and consumption. Additionally, digital twins, which create a virtual replica of physical assets, will allow for more effective monitoring and maintenance of energy infrastructure. This will be particularly beneficial, where complex and large-scale projects require sophisticated management. These technologies allow for real-time insights, enabling stakeholders to make quicker, more informed decisions while minimising risks.
