Ocean Winds Publishes Report on Safe Disposal of Unexploded Ordnance in the UK

Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, has made a groundbreaking discovery in environmentally safe and predictable UXO disposal at its Moray West offshore wind farm. The company has published a report showcasing the success of the “low-order deflagration” method for disposing of unexploded ordnance (UXO) with minimal impact on the marine environment.

The report highlights the importance of UXO seabed surveys and disposal in offshore infrastructure projects, particularly in offshore wind projects. The Moray West offshore wind farm, located in the outer Moray Firth, Scotland, utilized this innovative technique for the first time on a large scale, thanks to a partnership with Scottish-based innovator EODEX.

Lead author Nuria Abad Oliva, Offshore Consents Manager for the project, emphasized the significance of this achievement, as the technique had previously only been used for military purposes. The successful neutralization of 82 UXOs, ranging in explosive content from 6 to 700 kgs, demonstrated the effectiveness of the low-order deflagration method in minimizing underwater noise and environmental impact.

The report also highlights the accuracy of underwater noise modeling and impact assessment compared to traditional disposal techniques, which can cause significant harm to marine mammals. By sharing the outcomes of this study, Ocean Winds aims to encourage regulators and the offshore wind sector to adopt this environmentally friendly approach to UXO disposal.

Catarina Rei, Head of Permitting and Environment for Ocean Winds, expressed optimism about the potential impact of this report on future offshore wind projects. She hopes that regulators and developers will consider the benefits of low-order deflagration in protecting marine ecosystems while advancing renewable energy initiatives.