With UXO making the news again this week causing major disruption to London as a World War II missile was discovered in the Thames, our thoughts turn to the hidden dangers lurking beneath the water

It is estimated that some 24,000 tonnes of high explosives were dropped on London in 85 major raids during the second world war and that an estimated 10% of those did not explode. These bombs are potentially more dangerous now, some 70 years later, due to the chemical degradation of the fuse and a simple knock from contractors equipment hitting the bomb body or fuse packet could lead to catastrophic consequences. 

Site investigation at the start of projects is critical to mitigate danger to life and assets but is not always possible in restricted areas and is often only effective for ordnance which is lying on the seabed surface.

Our Datem 5000 CPT fitted with our Magnetometer Cone will detect ferrous objects on the surface and those hidden in the silt and debris of the bed as well as simultaneously providing standard information such as ground strata & engineering properties prior to site development. 

Providing Solutions for: 

Sites with restricted access for vessels

Rapid & cost effective solutions 

Detecting other metallic structures & obstacles both surface & buried

Investigating ground conditions for sheet piling
Mitigating against subsurface UXO risk  in marine construction