UXO Risk Assessment

UNDERSTANDING UXO RISK

Mines, bombs, shells, torpedoes and other submerged munitions may pose a threat to marine or inland-water works. For more than thirty years, CERES has detected, located, classified and identified these objects to secure dredging, drilling, cable, pipeline, port-infrastructure and marine-energy projects.

DESK STUDY & STRATEGY

Each assignment begins with a historical and documentary assessment of the site, seabed conditions, water depth and the planned works. CERES then defines the survey-line plan, acquisition procedures and required level of investigation, through to the ALARP assessment and final report.

MULTI-SENSOR DATA ACQUISITION

CERES combines marine magnetometry, side-scan sonar, multibeam echosounder, and sediment profiler. The precise positioning of towed sensors allows for data correlation, detection of visible or buried objects, and the creation of georeferenced maps of anomalies.

DATA PROCESSING & CLASSIFICATION

Hydrographers, geophysicists and UXO specialists analyse and correlate the different datasets. Each target is characterised by its position, magnetic signature, dimensions, orientation, probable burial depth and proximity to the planned works.

SUBSEA INSPECTION

When geophysical data is insufficient to resolve the uncertainty, CERES organizes an inspection using ROVs, short-range sonar, or professional divers. The images, videos, and measurements collected are analyzed with the support of UXO and EOD specialists.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

CERES has been involved in missions in Switzerland, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, several French ports, and major offshore wind projects. Its vessels, geophysical sensors, ROVs, and specialized teams can be rapidly deployed both in France and internationally.