© GEOMAR
IHK Schleswig-Holstein
MUNIMAR – Munition clearance in the North and Baltic Seas
Ammunition in the sea has been a topic of concern for industry and research for years – and increasingly for politicians as well. Around 1.6 million tonnes of conventional ammunition, such as grenades, explosive bombs, torpedo warheads, mines and artillery shells, lie in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea. In addition, there are around 5,000 tonnes of chemical ammunition. These contaminated sites pose a growing threat to people, the environment and maritime infrastructure.
A large part of the munitions is located in coastal areas, but also outside the twelve-mile zone in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). There are many reasons for this: mines and unexploded ordnance from wars and other military actions such as training exercises, deliberate dumping after the end of the Second World War, but also shipwrecks containing ammunition lie at the bottom of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The location of some of the ammunition is known, while other suspected areas need to be investigated more closely.
In addition to the potential risk of explosion, the contents of the munitions pose major problems that can lead to dangers on land and at sea: for the maritime environment and infrastructure, shipping, safety and tourism. After many decades, there are still intact munitions, but corrosion – exacerbated by salt water – is accelerating the decomposition process of the casings or entire munitions. Chemicals and explosives can be released: white phosphorus, tabun, TNT and various heavy metals.
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The munitions in the sea also pose serious risks to sailing. Many sailing areas are located in the immediate vicinity of former munitions dumping grounds. Collisions with undiscovered munitions can be dangerous, especially in shallow coastal waters or when anchoring. In addition, polluted waters impair the quality of the natural experience and can reduce the long-term tourist potential of sailing regions. Safe and clean seas are a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable and safe sailing.
The German government has recognised the problem and launched an emergency programme worth €100 million for the years 2022-2027 to gain experience in the large-scale recovery of old ammunition through pilot salvage operations and to develop and build a floating facility for the thermal destruction of ammunition recovered at sea.
Schleswig-Holstein plays a central role in this issue. GEOMAR and UKSH have been collecting data in research projects for many years in order to quantify the challenges. Various companies are participating in the projects with innovative technologies and supporting, for example, through AI, the provision of more accurate knowledge about the munitions piles. The state itself is responsible for the regular reports and is involved at various political levels to generate more attention.
In order to further strengthen knowledge and the network and to address the challenges of the issue in a targeted manner, GEOMAR, the Ministry for Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature of the State of Schleswig-Holstein and the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched MUNIMAR in 2024, the centre for dealing with ammunition in the marine environment. In addition to pooling research results and establishing a network, legal issues are also being addressed. Where is salvage particularly urgent, what are the occupational safety requirements, and do we also need new training occupations? These and many other questions are being discussed. The aim is for the federal and state governments to recognise ammunition recovery as an urgent task, for an often-discussed fund to be set up, and for targeted, comprehensive recovery to begin with the expertise of MUNIMAR.
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