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CONFERENCE TO TACKLE UXO RISK TO OFFSHORE WIND

Published in: Wind, Press Releases

CONFERENCE TO TACKLE UXO RISK TO OFFSHORE WIND image

With government estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of unexploded ordnance (UXO) devices remain in UK waters from World War I and II, and with a growing number of offshore wind projects planned for these waters, developers are increasingly facing these hidden dangers as they survey the seabed. 

To support developers in reducing the UXO risk in projects, Global Underwater Hub (GUH) is hosting a two-day conference – “Unexploded Ordnance: Mitigation in the Marine Environment” on Monday 6 - Tuesday 7 October 2025 at the Energy Central Campus in Blyth, Northumberland.  

UXO refers to munitions that failed to function as intended or were jettisoned by aircraft during both world wars and therefore pose a real risk to the seabed, marine life and subsea infrastructure if disturbed. 

The conference will explore the changing approach to maritime UXO clearance and mitigation for offshore projects, adopting As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principles and ensuring environmental sensitivities are met. Traditionally, UXO clearance has relied on high-order detonation, a method that can damage habitats, disturb marine life and disrupt offshore construction. Now, as regulators demand more sustainable practices, the industry is adopting innovative, lower-impact techniques that improve safety, protect the environment and keep projects on track. 
 
Neil Gordon, chief executive at Global Underwater Hub, explained why this conference is vital for the offshore and subsea sectors.
 
He said: “With the UK government targeting the deployment of up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, the process of mitigating UXO risk from offshore and subsea projects becomes increasingly important. Developers face growing pressure to deliver projects safely, on schedule and with minimal environmental impact, making knowledge-sharing and collaboration across the industry absolutely essential. 
 
“With estimates placing hundreds of thousands of pieces of UXO on our seabed, the scale of the challenge cannot be underestimated. This conference will bring together experts and stakeholders from across the offshore energy and underwater sectors to share best practice and explore the latest innovations for safer and more sustainable approaches to UXO mitigation with insights from offshore wind developers, regulators, UXO specialists and marine environmental conservation organisations.” 
 
The event will open with a dedicated technology showcase on Monday afternoon, where delegates will have the opportunity to attend presentations from some of the industry’s foremost innovators. The showcase will feature Atlas Copco and HydroTechnik, EdgeTech, EIVA, Kraken Robotics, Quintham, Royal IHC, RapidScan Subsea, Sonardyne, and Wight Ocean. 
 
During Tuesday’s full-day conference programme delegates will hear directly from organisations working at the forefront of UXO mitigation and the offshore renewables and maritime operations sectors. This will include Flotation Energy, Helix Robotics Solutions, Next Geosolutions, Enshore Subsea, Boskalis, 6 Alpha Associates, EPI Group, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, NatureScot, Ordtek, Royal IHC, ThayerMahan, TKMS, and Xodus. 
 
Speakers will discuss the challenges developers face with UXO removal, regulatory and consent issues, and UXO threat and risk assessment strategies, among other topics. 
 
The two-day conference, which offers discounted registration rates for GUH members, is sponsored by Helix Robotics Solutions and Next Geosolutions, with RapidScan Subsea sponsoring a drinks reception on the Monday evening.
 
 
Issued on behalf of Global Underwater Hub by BIG Partnership. For more information, please contact Kyle Webster at kyle.webster@bigpartnership.co.uk or 07746 144528. 
 
About Global Underwater Hub 
 
Global Underwater Hub is the leading trade and industry development body for the UK’s underwater sectors.  A member-led organisation, GUH represents the diverse range of businesses operating across the UK’s £9.2 billion underwater industry, facilitating cross-sector collaboration and growth. 
 
https://www.globalunderwaterhub.com/
 

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