Fugro joins CAMMera consortium to clear corroding explosives from European waters

These munitions, many of which have been submerged for over 80 years, are increasingly unstable and pose a growing environmental and safety risk. As their casings corrode, toxic substances like TNT, a carcinogenic and mutagenic compound, leak into the ocean and threaten marine biodiversity, human safety, and fishing industries. Building on extensive research and the experience of previous EU-funded projects, the consortium is focused on implementing new technologies for large-scale recovery.

“CAMMera is designed to develop environmentally friendly, comprehensive, and efficient technologies for the removal, disposal, and neutralisation of underwater munitions. The European Commission is hopeful that the project will pilot UXO cleanup solutions at an industrial scale,” said Christos Economou, Deputy Director for Maritime Policy and Blue Economy at the European Commission's DG MARE.  

As part of the consortium, Fugro will lead two key areas of work. The first involves designing specialised tools for remotely operated vehicles to access, extract, and safely contain the hazardous material for disposal by designated partners. The second will assess how these technologies can be adapted for use in other regions, including the North Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic. Drawing on Fugro's expertise in unexploded ordnance (UXO) remediation and subsea engineering, the findings will help shape a business case framework for future EU Parliament-supported programmes.

“This initiative is not only about removing hazardous materials but also about safeguarding marine ecosystems, protecting coastal communities, and enabling sustainable offshore development for generations to come,” said Peter Nieuwveld, Fugro’s Solution Owner for UXO Risk Mitigation.