New Initiative Launched To Combat Baltic Sea Pollution From Hazardous Remnants Of Shipwrecks

Shipwreck
Image for representation purposes only

A new initiative has been launched to reduce harmful pollution from the hazardous remnants of shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea.

The three-year BALTWRECK initiative, which began in July, aims to reduce pollution caused by leaking fuel, ammunition, and other shipwreck debris.

The project’s total budget is EUR 3.83 million, and the European Regional Development Fund, through the Interreg South Baltic Programme, contributes EUR 3.06 million.

The Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IMP PAN) coordinates the BALTWRECK project, which includes 14 partners from four Baltic countries: Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden.

Dr. Michael Silarski supervises the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science at Jagiellonian University.

Dr Silarski and his team are assigned to develop and test new methods for detecting hazardous materials at sea.

The main objective of the project, which is officially titled “Prevention of Massive Chemical Pollution of Marine Waters from Leaking Wrecks and Ammunition/Weapons Dumps in the Southern Baltic Sea”, is to develop effective wreck management techniques.

These strategies will be demonstrated and used to reduce pollution from hazardous substances.

The project’s goal is to provide advanced technology for assessing wrecks and identifying and removing hazardous substances.

One of the most innovative technologies being studied is a non-invasive sensor that detects harmful substances in the aquatic environment.

Dr. Silarski developed the sensor with a grant from the Foundation of Polish Science’s FIRST TEAM initiative. It uses neutron activation to identify items’ chemical composition remotely.

The method, unlike older procedures, offers safe and precise identification of harmful substances without risking human health.

The BALTWRECK project will test these technologies in controlled environments, most likely in a port basin, in collaboration with Petrobaltic. These methods will be tested and refined in at least three pilot locations.

An important aspect of the project is the study of the impact of sunken ammunition and hydrocarbon deposits on marine ecosystems.

According to researchers, there are over 20,000 known military and civilian shipwrecks at the bottom of the Baltic Sea, with roughly 10% leaking pollutants such as carcinogenic pyrolytic oil.

Reference: Jagiellonian University

Marine Insight Academy

Online courses for the Maritime industry!

Enroll For Maritime Courses

  • 100 + Free & Premium Courses
  • Learn at your own speed
  • Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
  • Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
  • Interactive videos

Marine Insight Academy

Enroll For Maritime Courses

  • 100 + Free & Premium Courses
  • Learn at your own speed
  • Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
  • Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
  • Interactive videos

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.


Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

Read More Articles By This Author >

By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *