Geotechnical survey group Fugro has been selected as the main contractor in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 which disappeared on March 8.

The Leidschendam-based company joined the search on June 10 at the request of the Australian transport safety council which is leading the investigation.

On Wednesday, the Australian deputy prime minister Warren Truss announced that Fugro will now lead the search of a 60,000 square metre area of the seabed of the Indian Ocean to the west of Australia, the Financieele Dagblad reports.

Echo equipment

The Dutch experts will use two specialist ships containing advanced echo equipment. They will be searching for wreckage and other indications of the exact location of the Boeing which disappeared from radar on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Truss said Fugro offered the best price-quality combination for the technical operation, the FD says.

He estimates the search will take a year, costing the Australian government €36m.