European Initiative to Clear Old Munitions from the Seas

Whether it is the Baltic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean or the Black Sea, there is no European sea without a significant amount of old munitions. The remnants of war not only threaten fishing, shipping and other uses, but also pose a growing threat to marine ecosystems and human health. Over time, metal casings corrode, explosives lie exposed on the seabed and toxins leach into the environment. However, clearance is complex and can itself pose a potential risk to the marine environment.

MMinE-SWEEPER is the first major project to tackle this problem on a European scale. Under the leadership of Professor Dr Jens Greinert from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, scientifically sound technical solutions for munitions clearance in European waters will be developed and tested. The EU is supporting the project with almost six million euros in funding.

“Removing munitions from our waters is not only a matter of safety, but also a responsibility towards future generations,” says Professor Dr Jens Greinert, marine geologist and munitions expert at GEOMAR. “With MMinE-SwEEPER, we want to come closer to a European solution, share knowledge, advance technologies and, most importantly, improve communication between EU countries on this sensitive security issue.”

On 13-14 November, the 20 international project partners are meeting in Kiel, Germany, for a kick-off meeting to initiate the first steps of this ambitious project. The aim is to develop a systematic approach to the detection, assessment and clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in order to minimise risks to people and the environment, and to protect biodiversity and people. The results of MMinE-SwEEPER will not only provide a scientific basis for sustainable munitions clearance, but will also serve as a basis for EU-wide standards and guidelines.

Representatives from two Directorates-General of the European Commission are also involved: the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME). Their role is to develop, implement and manage EU policies, legislation and funding programmes.

Professor Greinert: “I hope, and am very confident, that this project will finally lead to a truly European approach to this problem in time to mitigate the serious problems.”

Key Objectives of the MMinE-SwEEPER Project:

• Pooling Knowledge and Management Approaches: The project consolidates existing knowledge and experience from different countries and international projects. Relevant stakeholders from authorities, business, and civil society will be involved to develop solutions for munitions clearance.
• Promoting Technological Advances: A key focus is on the further development of robotics, 3D imaging, and AI-supported analysis tools for munitions detection and classification. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with intelligent algorithms will be developed to identify munitions objects.
• Real-world Testing and Validation: New technologies and methods will be tested in artificial test areas and real dump sites across Europe.
• Building Capacity and Strengthening Collaboration: The project will promote the exchange of knowledge between European countries and different stakeholders by organising training sessions, webinars, and workshops. The aim is to create a sustainable community of experts and to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.
• Strengthening European Cooperation: The project fosters cooperation within Europe by introducing new technologies for munitions clearance and advising policy-makers on developing solutions.

Funding:

The MMinE-SwEEPER project (Marine Munition in Europe - Solutions with Economic and Ecological Profits for Efficient Remediation) is funded by the EU under the Horizon Europe research funding programme (Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society) with almost six million euros until March 2028.