Fugro Specialists bring Expertise to Industry Roles

Fugro specialists have been elected to serve at committee and director level with prominent UK bodies representing the geoscience sector.

John Grainger, manager of the Fugro drilling service line (Europe Africa Caspian), has been appointed a director of the British Drilling Association (BDA). During his term of office he will serve as one of two directors responsible for the overall strategic management of the Association which represents drilling contractors and specialists in the UK geotechnical and ground investigation industry.

Grainger, who joined Fugro in 2012, is a chartered engineer and chartered geologist with an MSc in engineering geology. He has over 35 years’ experience in drilling and ground investigations for major infrastructure projects in locations across Northern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Caspian.

Grainger has previously served as BDA chairman and is presently chair of its marketing committee. He has also represented the Association on BSI working groups both past and present.

He said: “It is a huge privilege to take on this key role with the British Drilling Association as it marks its fortieth year. I will be bringing all of my professional experience to ensure the Association continues to push the boundaries of drilling competence, safety and achievement with members and UK practitioners and for the benefit of the wider global drilling industry.”

Other Fugro personnel co-opted to BDA roles are Neil Breach, a safety advisor who joins the safety sub-committee, and senior project engineer Paul McMann who now serves on the training and education sub-committee.

Meanwhile, Dr Chris Coleman, a principal engineering geologist at Fugro has been elected to the committee of the Engineering Group (EGGS) of The Geological Society.

Formed in 1964 and the largest of the Society’s Specialist Groups, EGGS is the main focus for engineering geology in the UK and represents the Society on The Ground Forum, the umbrella organisation for professional bodies and trade associations in ground engineering.

With Fugro since 2007, Dr Coleman is a chartered geologist and technical lead for onshore and nearshore site characterisation. He is a specialist in Quaternary deposits and terrains, investigation of intertidal zones, and development of 3D ground models for geohazard visualisation and engineering appraisal.

Dr Coleman, who was officially appointed at the Geological Society’s recent annual general meeting, said: “I am delighted to participate in the Engineering Group which plays a pivotal role in training and professional standards in the field of engineering geology.”