Fugro in the 1980s

1983

New leadership

Outgoing CEO Kees Joustra hands over the reins to civil engineering expert Gert-Jan Kramer, marking the beginning of a new strategic era. Kramer brings a fresh perspective to leadership and introduces modern financial reporting systems across Fugro’s various operating companies. This initiative marks the start of a long-term transformation journey, aiming to improve transparency, accountability, and alignment across the organisation’s global footprint.

1987

Fugro takes over McClelland

In October, McClelland and Fugro formally merge to create Fugro-McClelland, uniting two industry leaders in geotechnical services. However, during the process, a complication arises concerning shareholding structures among McClelland’s employee-owners. Once resolved, it becomes evident that Fugro holds a controlling 66% share, effectively making the transaction a takeover rather than a traditional merger. As a result, Fugro becomes the world’s largest geotechnical engineering consortium and secures a dominant 85% share of the global offshore geotechnical market.