Stakeholder list

The stakeholders engaged in marine munitions-related research and innovation are diverse, reflecting the wide range of expertise required to address this issue. They include not only oceanographic institutes and universities, but also companies, government agencies, NGOs, and other organisations that contribute specialised knowledge and capacity.

Their expertise spans detection, risk assessment, remediation technologies, environmental monitoring, and policy development, underscoring the multidisciplinary nature of this challenge

The list below gives an overview of institutions across Europe, outlining their areas of focus and providing contact points for collaboration and exchange. The list is currently under development. Suggestions for stakeholders to add can be forwarded to munitions@jpi-oceans.eu.

Belgium Germany Denmark Finland Italy Norway Poland Romania Spain Sweden Ukraine United Kingdom

Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)

– Civilian research and academic organisation –

Dr. Tine Missiaen | Dr. Thomas Mestdagh | Dr. Maarten De Rijcke | https://www.vliz.be/en

Expertise

• Seabed and sub-seabed characterization
• 2D and 3D seismic/acoustic subseafloor imaging
• Acoustic detection of buried munition
• Risk assessment of war shipwrecks
• Microbial research of UXO and shipwrecks

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – E=MCM (ongoing) – REMARCO (ongoing) – EROVMUS (concluded) – MIRICLE (concluded) – DISARM (concluded) – BASTA (concluded) – North Sea Wrecks (concluded)

Royal Military Academy (RMA)

– Defence research and military technical organisations –

Dr. Ir. Olga Lopera Tellez | Denitsa Dimitrova | https://www.rma.ac.be/en

Expertise

• AI development for detection and classification (using acoustic data)
• Generation of synthetic acoustic data
• Seafloor and subseafloor munition detection
• Seabed characterization
• Rapid Environmental Assessment: Mission and path planning
• 3D reconstruction using acoustic data

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – E=MCM (ongoing) – SBSS (ongoing) – MLM-NG (ongoing) – Automatic Seabed Characterization from HF SAS (concluded) – Drifting Mines Detection (concluded)

Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Dr. Matthias Brenner | MSc Romina Schuster | https://www.awi.de/en/

Expertise

In addition, to the polar oriented research the AWI is conducting state of the art research in North- and Baltic Sea about the effects of toxic compounds from corroding munition on marine organisms.

• Biological effects of marine organisms exposed to dissolved explosives
• Lab and field health investigations of marine organisms
• Application of bio-assays for organismal response to pollutants on molecular, cell, tissue and organ level
• Application of untargeted NMR based proteomics to test for protein expression and activity
• Histological approaches for tissue and organ health assessment

Project involvement

REMARCO (ongoing) – CONMAR-2 (ongoing) – CONMAR (concluded) – North Sea Wrecks (concluded) – DAIMON (concluded) – CHEMSEA (concluded)

Bundeswehr Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71)

– Defence research and military technical organisations –

Dr. Uwe Kretschmer, Dr. Holger Schmaljohann | WTD71Posteingang@bundeswehr.org | www.bundeswehr.de/en/organization/equipment/organization/wtd-71

Expertise

The Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71) is tasked with supporting the German Navy in maritime issues of defence technology and defence science. The range of tasks covers the entire spectrum of maritime defence technology in all phases of the development process of defence material. The activities are primarily aimed at the overall ship system and the interaction of different components of this system in the maritime environment. Regarding underwater munitions we are supporting  the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (www.WSV.de) especially with know how with AUV.

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – KAPITAS (concluded) – SOAM (concluded)

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT)

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Dipl.-Phys. Armin Keßler | munitions@ict.fraunhofer.de | www.ict.fraunhofer.de

Expertise

• ICT is the only German research institute to cover the entire development chain from synthesis to disposal for energetic material.
• Material properties of propellants and explosives (Safety-related characteristics, Stability, Performance, Ageing, Handling and Storage Requirements)
• Processing of energetic materials and ammunition 
• Explosives detection
• Safety technology on energetic materials and disposal process chains
• Underwater sensors for detecting and monitoring clearance activities
• Ammunition destruction

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – BorDEx (ongoing) – Immediate action programme for dumped munitions (ongoing) – RoBEMM (concluded)

Gesellschaft zur Entsorgung von Kampfstoffen und Rüstungsaltlasten (GEKA mbH)

– EOD, recovery, remediation and disposal operators –

Dr. rer. nat. Andreas Krüger | Dr. rer. nat. Bastian Niemeyer | www.geka-munster.de

Expertise

GEKA is the only company in Germany, which is allowed to handle chemical weapons and warfare agents

• Project coordination
• Identification of ACW and UXO
• Delaboration and disposal of all kinds of explosives and chemical agents
• Operation and maintenance of disposal facilities
• Laboratory analyses and testing of CW and hazardous material

Project involvement

CAMMera (ongoing) – BorDEx (ongoing) – Dethlinger Teich (ongoing)

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Prof. Jens Greinert, Dr. Aaron J. Beck , Dr. Torsten Frey, Dr. Marc Seidel, Mareike Keller, Dr. Daniela Henkel, Dr. Inken Preuss |  https://www.geomar.de/en/

Expertise

• Coordination
• Data Management
• UXO Mapping & detecting (hydroacoustic, magnetic and optical imaging)
• Fieldwork and marine operation (ship-based, ROV, AUV and lander)
• Sensor development (magnetic, optic, chemical)
• Chemical analysis of explosives and related compounds
• AI for automated detection and identification
• Informed decision making for remediation activities
• Stakeholder dialogue and outreach
• partner for state and governmental ministries (scientific lead in MUNIMAR)

Project involvement

CAMMera (ongoing) – BaltWreck (ongoing) – MUNI-RISK (ongoing) – MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – MUNIMAP (ongoing) – BorDEx (ongoing) – SAM (ongoing) – CONMAR 2 (ongoing) – ValidITy (concluded) – VAMOS (concluded) – AMMOTRACE (concluded) – ProBaNNt (concluded) – CONMAR (concluded) – ExPloTect (concluded) – BASTA (concluded) – MUNISEE (concluded) – UDEMM (concluded)

North.io GmbH

– Survey, technology and data providers –

Jann Wendt (CEO) | Dr. Daniel Wehner | Dr. Sebastian Graber | https://north.io/en/

Expertise

• Software development
• Data management
• Cloud infrastructure
• Big data processing of hydroacoustic data
• AI development for anomaly detection in hydroacoustic data
• Development of a risk assessment tool for wrecks and munition
• Initiator of the Kiel Munition Clearance Week (KMCW)

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – MUNIMAP (ongoing) – BaltWreck (ongoing) – REMARCO (ongoing) – North Sea Wrecks (concluded) – DAIMON and DAIMON 2 (concluded) – BASTA (concluded) – ErPAD (concluded)

Rheinmetall AG

– EOD, recovery, remediation and disposal operator –

Regina Wiedenbauer | https://www.rheinmetall.com/en

Expertise

• Active clearing of UXO in the North and Baltic Sea
• Includes detection of contamination, identification, documentation and recovery of unexploded ordnance.
• Rheinmetall is in position to map the entire process chain of recovery, inspection and environmentally compatible disposal of ammunition under water.
• Expertise and power for innovative implementation of industrialized underwater ammunition recovery and disposal
• Ammunition disposal, including own facility for demilitarization and disposal in Germany (opening 2026)

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – OST-6-1 (ongoing)

Thünen Institute - Institute of Fisheries Ecology

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Dr. Jörn Peter Scharsack, Dr. Ulrike Kammann |  www.thuenen.de

Expertise

• Fish diseases
• Eco toxicology

Project involvement

CONMAR-Fish II (ongoing) – DAIMON and DAIMON 2 (concluded) – MODUM (concluded) – CHEMSEA (concluded)

University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein – Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Prof. Dr. Edmund Maser, Dr. Jennifer Strehse |  www.uksh.de/en

Expertise

• MEC Analysis (UHPLC, GC-MS/MS)
• Matrices: all biota, sediment, scratch samples, water; Acute and chronic toxicity (in vitro, in vivo; model organisms)
• Biomarkers (molecular); Bacterial MEC degradation, remediation
• Risk assessment: ecosphere, top predators, humans (incl. sea-food consumers)

Project involvement

CONMAR 2 (ongoing) – REMARCO (ongoing) - CONMAR (concluded) - DAIMON (concluded) – North Sea Wrecks (concluded) – TATTOO (concluded) – PILOT (concluded) – UDEMM (concluded)

Aarhus University – Department of Environmental Science

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Dr. Hans Sanderson, Dr. Patrik Fauser, Lærke Ina Krogaard Hansen, Delove Abraham Asiedu (PhD) , Frank Dugasseh (PhD), Journalist, exec.MCC Michael Strangholt | https://envs.au.dk/en/

Expertise

• Coordination and management
• Release, distribution, exposure
• Spatial and statistical modelling of exposures
• Environmental and human toxicity analysis
• Data compilation and data analysis
• Case study design
• Participatory methodology and stakeholder engagement
• Social science analysis
• Risk assessment
• Prioritization framework
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Communication and dissemination
• Decision support and governmental advisory roles

Project involvement

SAFE-BS2BKS (ongoing) – MUNI-RISK (ongoing) – MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – MUNIMAP (ongoing) – MERCW (concluded) – MODUM (concluded) – Nord-Stream environmental CWA risk assessments (concluded)

Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Anu Lastumäki | https://www.syke.fi/en

Expertise

• At the Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, we offer strong expertise and independent information on global phenomena such as climate change, biodiversity loss, overconsumption, pollution and eutrophication.
• Cooperation with VERFIN in the field of underwater munitions.

Project involvement

WRUMM (concluded) – DAIMON and DAIMON 2 (concluded) – MODUM (concluded) – CHEMSEA (concluded)

University of Helsinki - VERIFIN

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Paula Vanninen | https://www.helsinki.fi/en/verifin

Expertise

VERIFIN was established in 1994, as continuation of the Chemical Weapons (CW) research project working since 1973. Operations of VERIFIN are mainly funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. VERIFIN supports the disarmament of chemical weapons by development of identification methods for chemical warfare agents (CWA).

Project involvement

DAIMON and DAIMON 2 (concluded) – MODUM (concluded) – CHEMSEA (concluded)

National Research Council of Italy (CNR)

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Paolo Cignoni | Massimiliano Corsini | www.cnr.it/en

Expertise

• AI development for detection, segmentation, and classification
• Seafloor analysis and segmentation
• Geometry processing
• Image-based 3D reconstruction
  

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – Develop AI model for optical data (ongoing) – UXO detection and classification on orthomosaics (ongoing)

Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI)

– Defence research and military technical organisations –

Øyvind Voie, Petter H Kvadsheim, Arnt Johnsen, John A Tørnes, Helle K Rossland, Petter Lågstad | www.ffi.no/en

Expertise

• Wreck investigation in Skagerrak
• Distribution of Chemical Warefare Agents in Marine Ecosystems
• National coordination
• Data Management
• UXO Mapping & detecting
• Fieldwork and marine operation
• Sensor development
• Hydro acoustic and optical imaging
• Chemical analysis of explosives and related compounds
• Uptake and toxicity in marine organisms
• Risk assessment - human and environment
• Post blast diffusion
• Impact of shock waves on marine life
• Sampling methods of different matrixes

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – MUNIMAP (ongoing) – Ammunition Risk (concluded) – North Sea Wrecks (concluded) – BASTA (concluded) – DAIMON & DAIMON 2 (concluded)

UiT The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Endre Grimsbø, Lokukaluge Prasad Perera | www.uit.no

Expertise

• Fieldwork and subsea operations
• Hydro acoustic and subsea instrumentation
• Environmental advisory
• Impact of shock waves and sound on marine life

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing)

Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences (IOPAN)

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Prof. Jacek Bełdowski |  Dr. Agnieszka Jędruch | Dr. Michał Czub | Dr. Miłosz Grabowski | www.iopan.pl/en/

Expertise

The Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences (IOPAN) is one of the leading marine research institutions in the Baltic Sea region, with long-standing experience in international projects addressing sea-dumped munitions and wrecks.

• Seabed characterization and habitat mapping
• Detection and identification of underwater munitions using AUVs, ROVs and geophysical methods
• Sampling and chemical analysis of contaminated sediments, water and biota
• Assessment and modelling of contaminant transport and dispersion
• Impact assessment on marine biota, including invertebrates and fish
• Development of monitoring strategies and environmental assessment frameworks
• Contribution to HELCOM expert work and science-policy dialogue on marine munitions
• Communication, knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement
  

Project involvement

MUNI-RISK (ongoing) – MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – BaltWreck (ongoing) – MUNIMAP (ongoing) – EROVMUS (concluded) – AMMOTRACe (concluded) – ProBaNNT (concluded) – DAIMON and DAIMON 2 (concluded) – MODUM (concluded) – CHEMSEA (concluded)

Polish Naval Academy (PNA)

– Defence research and military technical organisations –

Jacek Fabisiak, Bartłomiej Pączek | rector.office@amw.gdynia.pl | https://www.amw.gdynia.pl/index.php/en/

Expertise

The Polish Naval Academy (PNA) is a military school under the supervision of the Ministry of National Defense and a military unit carrying out  missions related to  national  defense. It is also a military scientific institution, based in Gdynia, with expertise in operational oceanography, including underwater operations relating to dumped munitions.

Project involvement

DAIMON and DAIMON 2 (concluded) – MODUM (concluded) – CHEMSEA (concluded)

New Strategy Center

– Civil society, policy and professional networks –

Sergiu Mitrescu | https://newstrategycenter.ro/en/

Expertise

Strategic level conference and stakeholder engagement

Project involvement

CAMMera (ongoing)

Iqua Robotics

– Survey, technology and data providers –

Dr. Marc Carreras | Dr. Natàlia Hurtós | Dr. Josep Bosch | https://www.iquarobotics.com

Expertise

• Design, manufacturing and support of autonomous underwater vehicles
• Control architectures for advanced autonomous behaviours
• Sensor integration (sonar, optical, acoustic comms)
• Acoustic and optical mapping software
• AI for automated detection and identification

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – REPMUS NATO exercise (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, ongoing)

Chalmers University of Technology

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Lars Rosen | www.chalmers.se

Expertise

Wreck corrosion modelling and prediction of releases of load and fuel

Project involvement

DAIMON (concluded)

LLC Coalas System

– Survey, technology and data providers –

Ievgen Ivanchenko | https://coalas.tech/en/

Expertise

• Communication system for unmanned vehicles and robotic platforms
• Surveillance and monitoring solutions for infrastructure objects

Project involvement

CAMMera (ongoing)

Cranfield University (CU)

– Civilian research and academic organisations –

Prof. Tracey Temple| Dr. Federica Persico | https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/

Expertise

• Extensive research in understanding the impact of explosives in the environment
• Small and large-scale weapons test facility for test & evaluation and applied explosive research
• Chemical analysis of explosives and related compounds
• Academic facilities teaching MSc level courses e.g. Explosive Ordnance Engineering
• Links to external contractors to access natural and artificial quarries for semi-controlled underwater experiments

Project involvement

MMinE-SwEEPER (ongoing) – Research Students work on impact of underwater munitions (ongoing) – MSc education in UXO – Maritime Underwater Munitions module (ongoing)