Through its operating company Fugro Subsea Services, Fugro recently received Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, highlighting its role in the international supply chain, a Jan. 17 press release said.

The accreditation process began in the second half of 2015, and the award was received Dec. 11, 2016.

The HMRC department in the U.K. government examined logistics, warehousing, purchasing, supply chain management, accounts and IT activities to ensure that they complied with all customs and tax requirements. Detailed checks and assessments were also carried out on key personnel, the press release said.

Keith Pritchard, operations manager at Fugro Subsea Services, said the AEO designation is internationally recognized, and noted that the company will have advantages over businesses that do not have the designation.