Special Interest Groups
UXO (Unexploded Ordnance)
SUT’s Special Interest Group (SIG) on Marine UXO aims to bring together experts from industry, academia and government to share knowledge, develop guidance and advance best practice in managing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the marine environment. Formed in 2021 in response to growing challenges within the offshore wind sector, the group provides a forum for open discussion on technologies, applications and strategies for safe and effective UXO management. The SIG hold quarterly meetings, specialist presentations and initiatives, such as the development of risk guidance and an open workshop at Oceanology International 2024. This SIG on Marine UXO is building a collaborative community dedicated to reducing risk and supporting the sustainable growth of offshore renewable energy.
Objectives of the Special Interest Group on Marine UXO (Unexploded Ordnance)
- Provide a forum for professionals from industry, academia and government to share knowledge, ideas and best practice on Marine UXO.
- Address challenges associated with UXO in the offshore environment, with a focus on offshore wind and renewable energy developments.
- Support collaboration on new technologies, applications and strategies for safe UXO management.
- Develop and publish guidance to improve risk identification and common mitigation approaches.
- Facilitate regular discussions and presentations on emerging issues and solutions.
- Create opportunities for wider industry engagement through workshops and events.
- Expand membership to include all stakeholders involved in Marine UXO, ensuring a diverse perspective and relevant expertise.
Group membership for Marine UXO
Group membership for Marine UXO
The Special Interest Group (SIG) on Marine UXO brings together professionals responsible for managing unexploded ordnance risks within the offshore wind industry. Current members include specialists from leading developers and operators such as EDF, Orsted, TenneT, Shell, SSE, Vattenfall, RWE, Energinet, Equinor, Scottish Power, Amprion, BT, Guernsey Electricity, Simply Blue Group, TotalEnergies, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, Corio Generation, and 50Hertz.
While initially focused on offshore windfarm developers, this SIG on Marine UXO aims to widen its membership in the future to encompass the full range of stakeholders engaged in this subject matter.
SIG members in this area can access the password-protected page via the link below.
What is Marine UXO?
Marine UXO stands for Unexploded Ordnance in the marine environment. UXO as a term refers to military munitions, such as bombs, shells, mines, torpedoes and grenades ect that were deployed but failed to detonate as intended. In the marine environment, UXO is often found on or beneath the seabed from:
- World War I and II
- Weapon testing and training ranges
- Dumping of surplus munitions after conflict
- Air-dropped bombs that landed in water
UXO (Unexploded Ordnance)
Exploring Marine UXO
Marine UXO matters because although many are historic, they are still dangerous and managing their risk is a key concern for marine industries and regulators.
- Safety: They remain potentially dangerous for decades and can detonate if disturbed by activities like fishing, anchoring, dredging, or offshore construction.
- Environmental: Corrosion and leakage can release toxic substances and detonations create shockwaves harmful to marine life.
- Economic: Offshore wind farms, oil and gas, subsea cables and port developments must all manage UXO risks, which can delay or increase project costs.
- Legal: Developers and operators are often required to assess and mitigate UXO risk to protect personnel, assets and the environment.
Marine UXO considerations
When planning a new offshore project, UXO risk must be assessed and managed. In any country, global historical conflicts, munitions testing and post-war dumping mean that many international coastal and offshore areas may contain hazardous ordnance on or beneath the seabed.
The main Marine UXO consideration, should be around:
- Historic research and risk assessment: Carry out research on past conflicts and naval activity in the area.
- Regulatory and legal requirements: Ensure compliance with national marine safety and environmental regulations.
- Site investigations: Conduct geophysical surveys and develop a UXO risk map to guide planning and operations.
- Risk mitigation strategy: Prioritise risk and determine sensitivity tailored to your project.
- Health and safety planning: Train all workers on awareness of UXO and reporting and establish emergency procedures in case of unexpected UXO encounters.
- Environmental: Recognise potential ecological impacts of UXO clearance and implement measures to protect marine mammals and fish.
Marine UXO in the UK
The UK is a global leader in offshore wind, subsea cables, oil and gas and port infrastructure, all of which can encounter UXO during seabed works. Due to the UK’s heavy involvement in both World War I and II and later military activities, the UK’s surrounding seas contain a significant legacy of UXO. Marine UXO in the UK is both a historic legacy and a modern risk that must be carefully managed to ensure the safety of people, the marine environment and the success of offshore projects.
Marine UXO in the UK
The UK is a global leader in offshore wind, subsea cables, oil and gas and port infrastructure, all of which can encounter UXO during seabed works. Due to the UK’s heavy involvement in both World War I and II and later military activities, the UK’s surrounding seas contain a significant legacy of UXO. Marine UXO in the UK is both a historic legacy and a modern risk that must be carefully managed to ensure the safety of people, the marine environment and the success of offshore projects.
Common Marine UXO risk scenarios
Stay at the forefront of underwater innovation by joining SUT’s Marine UXO Special Interest Group.
- Connect with leading experts to discover how the UK is dealing with UXO when developing projects
- Share insights, influence best practices, and gain access to exclusive forums, technical resources, and collaborative projects
- Whether you’re in research, industry, or technology development, your expertise and curiosity can help shape the future of Marine UXO
Join us today and be part of the global conversation.
JOIN US TODAY AND BE PART OF THE GLOBAL CONVERSATION
JOIN US TODAY AND BE PART OF THE GLOBAL CONVERSATION
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