The marine surveying industry in Benelux is vital for monitoring maritime activities, ensuring safety, and supporting environmental sustainability. Companies involved in this sector provide services like geological assessments, underwater surveys, and risk analysis, primarily catering to energy, transport, and infrastructure projects. The industry's growth is fueled by technological advancements, with many firms exploring automation and digital tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency. As demands for sustainable operations rise, the integration of eco-friendly practices in marine surveying becomes crucial, driving investments and innovations in areas like marine renewable energy and environmental monitoring.


The list features a mix of corporate and private equity investors, headquartered across Benelux’s key economic hubs including Rotterdam and Brussels. Comprising firms like Boskalis and Triton Partners, which varies in size from small teams to large corporations with over 10,000 employees, these investors showcase a commitment to marine surveying. In 2024, they collectively executed a substantial number of deals, reaffirming their dedication to advancing the sector. Established between 1957 and 2010, their longevity reflects the critical importance of maritime investment in the region.


Top 12 Marine Surveying Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding projects relevant to marine surveying, such as PlanBlue, which raised $2,880,474 in grants and venture funding to enhance marine data collection and environmental monitoring. Additionally, the EIC supported GREENOV-ITES and GBM Works, which, while not exclusively marine-focused, contribute to environmental and technological advancements that could intersect with marine surveying applications. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to fostering innovation that can impact the marine sector.


2. Boskalis

  • Website: boskalis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Papendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: boskalis

Boskalis Westminster N.V. is a logistics and marine services company based in Papendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1910. With over 10,000 employees, Boskalis specializes in dredging and the maintenance of maritime infrastructure, offering a wide range of services including coastal defense, land reclamation, and offshore energy support. The company has made significant investments in the marine surveying sector, including the acquisition of Horizon Geosciences in February 2019, which enhances its geotechnical and subsea capabilities. Additionally, the acquisition of the UK-based Gardline Group in August 2017 for approximately £40 million allowed Boskalis to enter the offshore survey market, further solidifying its position in marine surveying. These strategic moves highlight Boskalis's focus on expanding its service offerings in the marine surveying industry, catering to clients such as port authorities and energy companies who rely on safe and efficient maritime operations.


3. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services such as loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, EIB was involved in significant transactions, including a $21.5 million debt financing for XOCEAN, a company likely engaged in marine technology, and a $40.2 million debt financing for Aberdeen Harbour Board, which is directly related to marine infrastructure. Additionally, EIB facilitated a $84.0 million debt financing for Bilbao Port, further emphasizing its role in supporting marine-related projects. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to promoting growth and job creation in sectors that intersect with marine surveying.


4. Fugro

  • Website: fugro.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leidschendam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: fugro

Fugro NV is a leading geotechnical service provider based in Leidschendam, South Holland, Netherlands, specializing in Geo-data solutions. Founded in 1962, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including surveying, environmental assessments, and geotechnical investigations, primarily serving clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Fugro has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities, including the recent agreement to acquire SEA-KIT International, known for its development of uncrewed surface vessels, which are increasingly relevant in marine surveying. Other notable acquisitions include VIB-Weinhold, RailData BV, and William Lettis & Associates, which have strengthened Fugro's geotechnical consultancy and geohazards practices. With a workforce of over 10,000 and a commitment to utilizing advanced technology, Fugro supports safe and sustainable project development across various sectors, including marine surveying.


5. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has participated in significant transactions relevant to the marine sector, such as a €2.5 million seed financing round for Zparq, a startup focused on decarbonizing marine transport, and a €2.4 million funding round for Equinox Ocean Turbines BV, which is likely involved in marine energy solutions. Additionally, InnoEnergy has invested in Minesto, a company that has raised substantial funds through post-IPO equity, indicating a commitment to advancing marine energy technologies.


6. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in the marine sector by acquiring D-Marin, a premium yacht marina operator, which highlights their commitment to establishing a leading global marina operating company. Additionally, their investment in Hempel, a provider of paints and coatings, while not directly related to marine surveying, supports industries that may intersect with marine applications. CVC's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a key player in sectors that can influence marine surveying and related activities.


7. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the marine sector, including the acquisition of DeepOcean, a leading provider of subsea services, which strengthens their position in marine surveying and related activities. Additionally, their acquisition of MacGregor, a cargo handling specialist, further emphasizes their commitment to the marine industry, as MacGregor's operations are closely tied to marine logistics and equipment. These transactions highlight Triton's strategic interest in enhancing capabilities within the marine sector, making them a noteworthy investor in marine surveying.


8. ABO-Group Environment

  • Website: abo-group.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: abo-group

ABO-Group Environment is a corporate investor based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in environmental consulting and geotechnical engineering. Founded in 1995, the company provides a range of services including soil studies, contamination remediation, and stability assessments, primarily serving businesses and organizations in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. In recent years, ABO-Group has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in environmental research and geotechnics. Notably, they acquired Geosonic France, a company focused on soil studies and geothermal research, which aligns with marine surveying activities. Additionally, their acquisition of SEGED, a specialist in water management and ecological restoration, further strengthens their position in areas relevant to marine environments. These transactions reflect ABO-Group's commitment to expanding its expertise in environmental management, making them a relevant player in the marine surveying sector.


9. Cobepa

  • Website: cobepa.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1957
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cobepa

Cobepa is a private equity investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1957. It specializes in providing investment management and strategic support to enhance the growth and sustainability of its partner businesses. Cobepa operates with a permanent capital base, allowing it to invest across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare and industrial sectors. Notably, Cobepa has been involved in transactions such as the acquisition of Van Oord, a company engaged in marine contracting and dredging, which is relevant to marine surveying. Additionally, they acquired SOCOTEC, a company that provides testing, inspection, and certification services, which can also relate to marine surveying activities. However, their other investments, such as Scalian, focus more on digital and organizational engineering, indicating a broader investment strategy beyond just marine surveying.


10. Damen

  • Website: damen.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Gorinchem, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1927
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: damen-shipyards

Damen Shipyards Group, founded in 1927 and based in Gorinchem, South Holland, is a leading shipbuilding and engineering company that designs and constructs a diverse range of vessels, including tugs, workboats, and defense vessels. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Damen operates globally, emphasizing sustainability and innovation in its operations. In 2018, Damen acquired a majority stake in Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering's Mangalia shipyard in Romania, enhancing its shipbuilding capabilities and expanding its footprint in the maritime industry. More recently, in 2024, Damen Maritime Ventures participated in a funding round for Equinox Ocean Turbines BV, a startup focused on marine technology, raising €2.4 million. This involvement highlights Damen's commitment to advancing marine innovations, which are relevant to the marine surveying industry.


11. Van Oord

  • Website: vanoord.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1868
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: van-oord

Royal Van Oord is a maritime contractor based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, specializing in dredging, land reclamation, and offshore energy projects. Founded in 1868, the company has over 155 years of experience and operates globally, focusing on sustainable practices and enhancing energy transition efforts. Notably, Van Oord has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the marine sector. In 2014, they acquired 100% control of Dravo S.A., a Spanish subsidiary involved in dredging works across Spain, Portugal, and Italy, allowing for greater integration of marine operations. In 2018, they further expanded their capabilities by acquiring MPI Offshore, a specialist in offshore wind installation, which included vessels and crew, aligning with their investment program to enhance their presence in the UK wind market. These transactions underscore Van Oord's active role in marine-related industries, making them a relevant player in the marine surveying context.


12. Bekaert

  • Website: bekaert.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zwevegem, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1880
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bekaert

N.V. Bekaert S.A. is a steel manufacturer specializing in steel wire transformation and coatings, founded in 1880 and headquartered in Zwevegem, Flanders, Belgium. The company serves various industries, including automotive and construction, by providing high-quality materials and innovative solutions. Bekaert operates globally, employing 28,000 people and generating significant sales through its diverse product offerings. Recently, Bekaert has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its position in the marine sector. Notably, in May 2024, Bekaert acquired BEXCO nv, a leading player in synthetic ropes for offshore energy production, for €40 million. This acquisition is part of Bekaert's growth strategy to enhance its offerings in synthetic offshore lifting and mooring solutions, particularly in the emerging floating offshore wind industry. Additionally, Bekaert's acquisition of Arrium's wire ropes business in Newcastle, Australia, further solidifies its presence in the global market for mining ropes, which can also be applicable in marine contexts. These transactions highlight Bekaert's commitment to expanding its capabilities in sectors that intersect with marine surveying.



Marine Surveying Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
BoskalisPapendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19102
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
FugroLeidschendam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19620
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
ABO-Group EnvironmentGhent, Flanders, Belgium501-100019952
CobepaBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019572
DamenGorinchem, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19271
Van OordRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands5001-1000018680
BekaertZwevegem, Flanders, Belgium10001+18801


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