In the light of the future developments at the Port of Zeebrugge and coastal safety, the Flemish government is looking for a way to clear the underwater unexploded ordnance (UXO) of WW1 and WW2 on the munition dumpingsite near Knokke-Heist, also known as “De Paardenmarkt”. This site contains an estimated 35,000 tons of conventional and chemical ammunition.

Regarding this project of the Programme for Innovation Procurement (PIP), the Flemish government wants to execute a test that should prove in which innovative way this ammunition dump site can be cleared safely, time- and cost-effectively. The following topics will be evaluated: precision detection of the location of the ammunition, continuous monitoring of the environment, removal of the sediments on top of the ammunition, bringing the ammunition to the surface and transporting it safely to the mainland using robot technology. If successful, a plan can be developed for a full clean-up on large scale using the tested solutions.

Before executing this test clearance, a market consultation is organized in which a number of industry players with knowhow are able to highlight the associated risks and implications. This market consultation will take place during a half day meeting at October 10th, 2019 in the Ellipse building, Koning Albert II-laan 35, 1030 Brussels.

You can find more information about this market consultation and the registration form at http://innovatieveoverheidsopdrachten.be/evenementen/marktconsultatie-opruiming-gedumpte-oorlogsmunitie-de-noordzee#Engels.