IHK article with Corvus Works
IHK Nord Article
Ammunition in the sea has been a concern for the economy and research for years, and increasingly for politics as well. In the German North and Baltic Seas, there are approximately 1.6 million tons of conventional ammunition, such as grenades, explosive bombs, torpedo heads, mines, and artillery shells. In addition, there are around 5,000 tons of chemical ammunition resting on the seabed.
A significant portion of this ammunition is located in coastal areas, but it also extends beyond the twelve-mile zone into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The reasons for this are diverse: mines and unexploded ordnance from wars and other military actions, including training exercises, deliberate disposal after the end of World War II, and even shipwrecks with munitions, can be found on the seabed of the North and Baltic Seas. The exact locations of the munitions are partially known, while there are also suspected areas that require further investigation. Additionally, accidental discoveries occur during the construction of offshore wind farms.
When it comes to ammunition in the sea, it's challenging to rely on drop zones and aerial imagery, as is the case with land-based searches. Therefore, the available data on this issue is currently limited.
Furthermore, ammunition in the sea is not solely a German problem. Worldwide, many tons of munitions have been and continue to be dumped in the oceans. However, there are only partial strategies for precise detection of this munition. Recovery and disposal are currently rarely discussed.
In this exciting article by IHK Nord, Corvus Works is naturally mentioned. Corvus Works is the company that specializes in the investigation of underwater munitions remnants and the associated challenges.