Moray Firth marine environment benefits from safe disposal of UXOs

Published: 05/01/2023

The consortium behind the Moray West Offshore Wind Farm, part of the growing Ocean Winds portfolio of UK projects, has recently signed a contract with EODEX UK Subsea Ltd, for the safe and environmentally friendly disposal of legacy Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) in the Moray Firth, ahead of construction works on offshore wind turbines. Ocean Winds is an international offshore wind energy company created by EDP Renewables (EDPR) and ENGIE (50:50).

Work has recently begun to ensure the cable route and the offshore site are safe and ready for construction works and cable laying. EODEX is the only commercial entity in the UK which has the right to use a military-developed technology in the subsea environment. The technology, called ‘low-order deflagration’, is proven for use in the commercial environment by the UK Government, and is a means of safe disposal of underwater UXOs. This avoids the potentially destructive and harmful ‘high order’ method of disposal, which can damage the seabed, the marine environment and harm marine mammals and marine life.

Commenting on the company’s contract win, Managing Director Andrew Woollven, said:

“The EODEX team are delighted to be supporting the Moray West project using the very latest specialist technology to safely remove the UXO threat for this project. We have a duty to minimise disturbance during these important maritime operations around our shores and protect our biodiversity.

“Winning this project has been a very important development in the growth and success of the business, which continues to go from strength to strength. This builds on the back of contract wins elsewhere in the UK, and in Europe and North America.”

For further information, please contact: enquiries@eodexgroup.com

Image credit: Ocean Winds