Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North Sea

Date of latest update: 2025-02-03

Description

Description (EN):

After decades in the sea water, ammunition shells from World Wars are in different stages of degradation. Leaking toxic and carcinogenic compounds have been found surrounding war wrecks and dumping sites. Apart from the risk of uncontrolled explosions, samples taken in marine expeditions and laboratory analyses found leaked toxic compounds also in biota that explained health impairments of exposed organisms. These results are leading to marine food safety concerns. There is no common systematic approach to assess or to implement the monitoring and remediation measures needed to mitigate hazards. These hazards don't stop at borders and require a strategy of transnational dimension, moving from the North Sea Wrecks project analytic approach to remediation. REMARCO aims to reduce pollution and contribute to marine ecosystem protection by: increasing the capacity of authorities with a systematized risks assessment strategy within the MFSD and enhanced methodology, promoting the adoption of transnationally validated remote and automated solutions for NSR authorities and supra-national bodies to monitor and remediate risks, promoting a change of behaviour of responsible stakeholders leading to the improvement of policy instruments. To make the proposed change happen, we structure the work into experimental development activities, surveying & laboratory analysis of toxic compounds, test solutions in selected locations, strategies and policy recommendations, promotion and lobbying activities for reaching decision makers. The REMARCO consortium consists of: a multidisciplinary partnership of universities, research organizations, state agencies and private companies to reinforce necessary competences to carry out the work plan, and a high-level Advisory Board to widen the geographical coverage and involve stakeholders like Ministries and Navies ensuring the political influence necessary for the project aim and intensifying the cooperation with international organizations like OSPAR.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In 2024, the project advanced with the second Steering Group Meeting (SGM) in Brussels in January, followed by the third in June in Kiel. An EU tender for project management led to IkerConsulting SL being contracted in January 2024. In April, the project launched its website and social media accounts on LinkedIn and Instagram, providing regular updates on its progress. Fieldwork gained momentum with the completion of pilot studies and the launch of new ones. Three research cruises focused on TNT hotspots, collecting sediment samples to develop a DNA-based monitoring tool. In December 2023 and February 2024, expeditions gathered mussels and passive samplers for contamination analysis, while a March 2024 cruise collected sediment and water samples from two wreck sites and four munitions dumping grounds. Collaboration with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service of Lower Saxony also monitored munition blasting on sandbanks. The updated crawler system was assembled and tested, showing strong performance in hardware and software. Meanwhile, discussions with the OSPAR Secretariat explored how REMARCO could support the revised OSPAR Recommendation 2010/20, aligning the project with international standards. The Data Repository was enhanced for better data storage and standardization. Key components were integrated into the risk assessment tool, particularly around food chain impact evaluations. Status analyses, user feedback, and an online survey helped refine the tool further. During the third SGM in Kiel, a joint meeting with MUNIMAP (BSR) marked a milestone in collaboration. Experts from across Europe discussed risk assessment, software interfaces, data security, platform durability, and communication strategies, paving the way for future progress (https://news.north.io/en/eu-workshop-in-kiel-advances-uxo ). Following the recent Belgian elections, a remediation plan became part of the new government's budget negotiations, potentially accelerating munitions cleanup efforts.

Website: https://www.interregnorthsea.eu/remarco

Thematic information

Coastal management and maritime issues Evaluation systems and results Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_NS_3) Priority 3: A climate resilient North Sea region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (10)

Lead Partner: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE114 707 273

Address: Am Handelshafen, 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.awi.de

Total budget: EUR 1 166 375.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 699 825.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 466 550.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Periplus Consultancy BV

Name: Periplus Consultancy BV

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL8138.14.595.B01

Address: Kraanspoor 14, 1033SE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.periplus.nl

Total budget: EUR 309 875.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 185 925.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 123 950.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER

Stichting NHL Stenden Hogeschool - Maritiem Instituut Willem Barentsz

Name: Stichting NHL Stenden Hogeschool - Maritiem Instituut Willem Barentsz

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL007369694B01

Address: Rengerslaan 8-10, 8917DD Leeuwarden, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.nhlstenden.com

Total budget: EUR 327 375.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 196 425.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 130 950.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee

Name: Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE 0466.279.196

Address: InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.vliz.be

Total budget: EUR 340 979.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 204 587.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 59.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 136 392.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein - Institut für Toxikologie und Pharmakologie

Name: Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein - Institut für Toxikologie und Pharmakologie

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE814167313

Address: Brunswiker Str. 10, 24105 kiel, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website (not verified): http://uni-kiel.de/toxikologie

Total budget: EUR 344 325.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 206 595.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 137 730.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

SeaTerra Geophysik & Kampfmittel Dienstleistungen GmbH

Name: SeaTerra Geophysik & Kampfmittel Dienstleistungen GmbH

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE 230 326 687

Address: Werkstr. 6, 21218 Seevetal, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://seaterra.de/

Total budget: EUR 527 075.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 316 245.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 210 830.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER

north.io GmbH

Name: north.io GmbH

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE277816248

Address: Einsteinstrasse 1, 24118 Kiel, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://north.io/

Total budget: EUR 375 750.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 225 450.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 150 300.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER

Koninklijk Belgisch Instituut voor Natuurwetenschappen

Name: Koninklijk Belgisch Instituut voor Natuurwetenschappen

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0353070496

Address: 3de en 23ste Linieregimentsplein, 8400 Oostende, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website (not verified): https://www.naturalsciences.be/en/science/do/98

Total budget: EUR 641 875.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 385 125.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 256 750.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

EXPLOAD B.V.

Name: EXPLOAD B.V.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL851505971B01

Address: Pascalweg 2E, 4104BG Culemborg, Netherlands

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website (not verified): http://www.expload.nl

Total budget: EUR 241 825.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 145 095.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 96 730.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER

Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum - Leibniz-Institut für Maritime Geschichte

Name: Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum - Leibniz-Institut für Maritime Geschichte

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE114 709 134

Address: Hans-Scharoun Platz 1, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.dsm.museum

Total budget: EUR 219 673.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 131 804.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 87 869.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Periplus Consultancy BV

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences - Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee vzw

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

SeaTerra Geophysics & EOD Services

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

north.io GmbH

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

EXPLOAD

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

DEUTSCHES SCHIFFAHRTSMUSEUM

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Partners and Projects info

Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research

Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Operation of strategic importance (OSI) or above EUR 5 million

Project name (EN): Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Project acronym: REMARCO

Project ID: qxaeEQkgz

Project start date: 2023-07-01

Project end date: 2027-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant mentions and prizes:

false

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 4 495 127.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 697 076.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 60.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 697 076.00. Co-financing rate, 60.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Deliverables:

Case Studies / Select wrecks and munitions dump sites as hot spots in Flanders/BE, German Bight/DE and Sejerø Bay/DK. Organise surveying expeditions for sampling water, sediments and biota and perform ecotoxicological analysis, comparing with background values caused by individual exercises and detonation activities. Quantification of uptake depuration and health effects of exposed organisms. Investigation of toxic mechanism using in-vivo live imaging. Develop time series and performing interlab comparisons.
Introduce Strategic Risk Assessment / The risk assement methodology developed in the previous NSW project will be strategically applied within the context of the MSFD to include a whole set of data related to toxic compounds not considered before. Additional research on their effect of the novel aspects on marine food safety. Integrate case studies conclusions into the WRECKNS system. Map, visualize & refine risk analysis features based on the scientific outcomes of this project and identify possible intervention measures.
Toxic Compound Food Safety Issues within the EU / North Sea chemical pollution may have an impact on seafood safety, a topic falling under EU jurisdiction. Based on the previous North Sea Wrecks Project (Interreg NSR 2014-2020), we will conduct a gap analysis of EU legislation. This task will deliver a proposal for addicional legislation or policy measures on (marine) food safety in form of report.
Define Intervention Alternatives & Processes / Define intervention alternatives to decide how to manage wrecks and munitions related risks: manage the site, blast in place or removal. Transnational exchange to organise resources, coordinate agents involved, define procedures for planning and implementing the intervention depending on the size of area, number of explosives or time between blast and sampling.
Integrate Food Chain Evaluation into WRECKNS / Research activities including measuring and assessing the potential transfer of toxic compunds from explosives (TNT, ADTNTs, mercury and other trace metals) to biota & through the food chain. Estimate consequences for human health. Coordinate with the EU Food Safety Agency (with support of the AB) and policy recommendations for the food safety standards (WP3). Integrate these findings into the WRECKNS risk assessment algorithm. Deliverable: New algorithms and software code.
Intergovernmental Cooperation in the Framework of OSPAR / Provide support and input to the OSPAR EIHA Committee sub-working group, set up in March 2022 dealing with a revision to Recommendation 2010/20 on reporting of munitions, to address the scope of future OSPAR work on munitions and submit advise. A concertation with the OSPAR HASEC Hazardous Substances & Eutrophication Committee will be established as well. Implementing/ offering the software platform service (T2.3 and T2.4) to OSPAR committees and adopting Member States.
Design & Prototype Semiautonomous Underwater Crawler / Experimental development of a prototype considering user requirements and specifications to adapt and equip an existing semiautonomous underwater crawler with functionalities for remote monitoring. This focusses on toxic components in the sediment, water column and samplers. As deliverable, an enhanced prototype will improve efficiency and safety of monitoring and remediation activities beyond the state-of-the-art.
Software upgrade: user interface / Experimental software upgrade activities to offer WRECKNS tool as a web service platform: gathering user requirements, design enhanced functionalities to cover monitoring & remediation options based on technical feasibility, minimal impact, and costs. Programming/coding software, test usability and functionalities in user experience panels, beta testing and deployment. Deliverable: New Platform with user interface.
Citizen Science and Hybrid Forums / Citizen Science and Hybrid Forums as new forms of public engagement and transnational dialogue in a sensitive topic could cause social alarm. Implementation of a citizen science activity involving civil society in the problem of UXO remediation (with stakeholders from museums, national parks, and /or NGO) on 2 exemplary North Sea Sites. Web based Mapping + Cartography for the Citizen Science Project (also as a template for further use). As deliverable, 2 external events will be organised.
Piloting Monitoring Techniques / Different monitoring techniques (passive samplers, bacterial analyses, remote crawler with new sensors and sampling equipment) will be tested for managing hotspot areas, comparing background toxic concentrations, results from (burried) ammunition dumping sites, results from sampling shortly before and after UXO detonation with concentrations observed near wrecks and munitions.
Data Security, Sovereignty and Sharing Functionalities / Implementing the technical framework & user management to ensure highest level of data security & sovereignty, while at the same time able to make data available to selected users and institutions involved in governmental affairs and decision making. Target groups will be OSPAR and national governmental bodies as addressed in T3.2 and T3.4. Deliverable: New software code.
MFSD: Mainstream project results into national monitoring obligations / Integration of follow-up of TNT in national monitoring programmes. In this context the consortium will conceptualise and conduct 3 professional courses for policy makers and administrations involved in MSFD processes. These policy makers will be trained in the risk assessment software tool WRECKNS (Platform service) .
Piloting Remediation Techniques / In the event real remediation action is recommended and feasible at the spot, remediation techniques (removal, blast in place low /high order detonation, bubble curtains, AUV...) will be piloted and transnationally assessed in terms of efficiency & environmental impact (sound, chemical compounds...) and safety consequences for divers participating in the operation. In case remediation action is not possible for safety reasons a theoretical approach will be described.
Durability of the platform service / Define a Busines Model using the Canvas methodology for exploiting the software as a service (SaaS) platform: Value proposition, customer segments accross the NSR, key resources (including IPR) and activities, cost structure, and revenues. Deliverable: Report describing the business model selected and the corresponding detailed Business Model Canvas.
Communication materials / Prepare dissemination materials, like for example, video, posters, brochures, leaflets, web content, social media and other promotional material for addressing audience groups: Food Safety Agencies (EU like European Food Safety Agency and national) Marine Environmental Organizations (International like OSPAR, national, regional) Coastal Management Administrations Defence Agencies Hydrographic agencies
Impact Evaluation / Piloted techniques for managing, monitoring and remediation the risks will be assessed under economic, operational, and environmental perspectives according to partners experience & resources during the pilot actions. Criteria applied may be risk neutralizing/ mitigation degree, noise reduction, ensuring labour safety during the intervention, spread of toxic compounds...).
Launch the Platform Service / Launch the Platform service for target groups like OSPAR and subsequent Member States: To enable data sharing between organizations, a user management system needs to be created to allow data owners to manage own data giving access to other users (such as OSPAR & other stakeholders) while respecting data soverreignty and data security. Deliverable: Data Management system running and operational.
Communication: Change of Behaviour Workshops / Organise 2 motivation workshops for promoting the change of behaviour of public authorities, including Ministries of Defence, coastal management administrations in charge of monitoring and remediation risks related to UXO and Wrecks. During the workshops, main findings and recommendations for the adoption of the most efficient and effective solutions demonstrated in WP1 and implementing the risk intervention strategy based on the risk assessment tool WRECKNS developed in WP2.
Communication / Preparation and dissemination of promotional materials to commercialise the platfrom as a service: Deliverables will be a landing page, presence at 2 marine sector trade fairs, participation at 8 promotional visits with potential customers and authorities and 1 promotion campaign of the intervention strategy.
Communication / Prepare, publish and disseminate 2 scientific papers with results obtained during the 3 Case Studies, and Pilot Actions. Organise 1 external consultation workshop with stakeholders (EFSA, OSPAR, CICHD) and other members of the Advisory Board (AB) and NSR authorities to present results obtained during the case studies and comparison of techniques for provoking a change of behaviour towards the use of the most efficient ones.

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

In multiple ways, we are adressing the MSFD: special Task 3.4 mainstreaming WP results into Member States marine policies in a variety of tasks we are establishing connections via dedicated Advisory Board members from BE, NL, DE, SE (see list in the Annex)
There is an indirect, but however clear contribution to reducing climate - sensible emissions: The investigation into low-order blasting could result in remediation techniques reducing explosive emissions. Safer maritime areas are one factor contributing to safer and more affordable offshore energy.
The interactive and user-centred front ends of the Risk Assessment and the modern database schemes contribute significantly to a sustainable access to and integration to national and pan-European maritime digital safety services.
The focus on involving and impacting on SMEs in UXO remediation broadens their commercial perspective. Especially in the current crisis, safer and ensured maritime offshore energy is a cornerstone for durable energy supply for industry.
Limited contributions to circular economy issues, as recycling of UXO components needs to be studied in more detail. However, removal from the sea floor is a first step in this way.
The project results are a significant contribution to a healthy environment, better ecological livelihoods, as REMARCO works on the development of new crisis management tools to increase places' safety and resilience (see fig 54 of TA2030).
Contributing to the IMP by ensuring fundaments of blue energy sites and corridors, developing marine data and knowledge services, as explained above to Maritime spatial planning, tools for Integrated maritime surveillance (here: WRECKNS), and Sea basin strategies with intense cooperation with OSPAR. We share cross-benefit schemes with JPI Oceans projects on UXO.
REMARCO contributes with the research data and the risk assessment tool to in particular these two aspects of sustainable maritime mobility: 045. to "make European maritime areas sustainable, smart and resilient." 101. "enable safe, secure and efficient maritime transport with lower costs [...] Maritime safety and smart and sustainable shipping in EU waters."
It is known that TNT and other UXO components are highly toxic and may pose a serious threat to the marine food chain and hence to the humans as end consumer. Research as foreseen in Work Packages 1 and 2 and 4 with the aim to ensure reduced impact on marine biota contributes to a more sustainable fauna and flora in the North Sea.
REMARCO contributes to several targets to be achieved by 2030: protect and restore (via piloting of remediation techniques) conserve coastal and marine areas (via a tested monitoring approach) increase the economic benefits from sustainable use of marine resources (by providing tools and policy recommendations), and by "applying "two other "goals", notably to - increase scientific knowledge, research, and technology for ocean health; and - to implement and enforce international sea law.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 256
(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects: 756

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR79) Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations: 3
(RCR104) Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations: 12

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North Sea

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-02-03

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

65 / 65 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

791 / 791 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Remediation, Management, Monitoring and Cooperation addressing North Sea UXO

Description

Thematic information

Partners (10)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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