Unexploded Bombs From Moray Firth Off The Caithness Coast Disposedof Safely

11th August 2023

Over 70 undetonated wartime explosives have been made safe at the Moray West offshore wind farm being built 14 miles off the coast of Caithness.

The devices - known as confirmed unexploded ordnance (cUXOs) - include mines, other bombs, naval missiles and torpedoes from the First and Second World Wars.

They were made inactive by a "low impact" technology used by experts who have been working in the area - part of the Outer Moray Firth.

Eodex specialises in the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) around the world.

The Portsmouth-headquartered firm opened a base in Aberdeen about two years ago.

According to Eodex, it aims to avoid detonation of seabed munitions whenever possible.

Its "marine environment-friendly" systems - used by the Royal Navy and many other armed forces around the world - are said to be ideal for work near offshore wind farms.

The firm was awarded its Moray West contract by offshore wind developer Ocean Winds in January.

Eodex has highlighted a 100% success rate for its "low order deflagration" method, with no "high order" detonations occurring. The innovative technique involves small magnesium cones being fired at devices, causing their explosive contents to burn out from the inside.

Eodex chief executive Simon Morgan said the company was "proud to bring the only government-tested and environmentally proven technology to the renewable sector for Ocean Winds and the Moray West project".

He added: "We have now safely and successfully deflagrated over 60 targets - more than the rest of the UK industry put together so far this year, securing a safe environment for sea life and the subsea environment. We are immensely proud of the positive effect we have had and look forward to completing the project in the next month or so."