According to SafeLane Global’s proprietary worldwide unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmine risk map, 60% of the world is at medium to high risk from the lethal legacy of conflict-generated explosive ordnance – from landmines and cluster munitions to larger artillery shells and airdropped bombs. 

Additional risk is posed in an even greater number of nations by potential UXO contamination on former military training grounds, and from abandoned ordnance.  This means land and marine sites designated for energy projects can be at risk from both the effects of military action as well as training and munition dumping.

Energy sector workers at risk from explosive threats

Due to the intrusive works associated with both onshore and offshore energy and renewable energy projects, those working in these sectors are particularly vulnerable to explosive accidents.  Action must be taken by employers to reduce this risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Without survey and clearance ahead of intrusive works on sites that are contaminated, a company’s staff, plant, reputation, project timelines and profitability are all at risk.

Mitigating your UXO risk

The first stage of the process is to commission a detailed landmine and unexploded ordnance risk assessment of your onshore and/or offshore site and any access routes.  This will give a risk rating of between low* and high, detail any contamination you might encounter and propose site appropriate risk mitigation measures.

SafeLane adopts technology-led, cost effective solutions to eliminate the risk of explosive ordnance – thus avoiding injury to site employees, damage to equipment or costly project delays.  Services include unexploded ordnance risk consultancy, surveying and the direct management of threats.

SafeLane also underwrites your risk – ensuring the avoidance of reputational risk, project delays and financial losses. 

Managing risk for offshore energy projects

SafeLane has developed a proprietary approach to marine surveys that reduces the number of targets requiring closer scrutiny – saving time and money and increasing safety.  It combines acoustic sonar, sub bottom and magnetometer results to increase the accuracy of anomaly characterisation.  Potential UXO (pUXO) targets are thereby reduced by an average of 70% compared with the standard magnetometer surveys others employ.

By also combining onshore data from risk assessments with offshore and intertidal geophysical UXO survey data, you’ll receive facts you can unequivocally rely upon and plan around.

After UXO surveys have been completed, whether in shallow water or deep sea, target investigations can begin on relevant areas to determine if UXO is present.  These investigations can be completed in any marine environment whether offshore, nearshore or in intertidal zones.

Once UXO has been confirmed, SafeLane will comprehensively manage the situation to ensure the threat no longer poses a risk.  It has the capability to conduct subsea explosive demolition and destruction of UXO using a range of specialist explosives, accessories and methodologies including low-order deflagration.

Its expertise means it’s able to provide UXO disposal services in any marine environment in the world.  It offers this service for both conventional munitions containing high explosives, and for munitions containing chemical warfare agents such as nerve or mustard gas.

Clearing land for the safe development of renewable energy projects

SafeLane provides clients with the most efficient survey and clearance methodology to reduce risk in line with ALARP, based on intended site activities.  Each project-specific risk mitigation strategy is tailored based on the project construction plans and timelines, with the aim of minimising any disruptions to project activities.

Land-based explosive ordnance detection services offered by SafeLane are comprehensive, ranging from desktop risk assessments and non-technical surveys to non-intrusive and intrusive surveys.

SafeLane adheres to International Mine Action Standards, has developed industry-leading standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintains its own award-winning quality management system.  It is ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 accredited, and adheres to every country-specific technical, training, licensing and clearance requirement.

It also provides:

• A range of specialist geophysical survey techniques (both intrusive and non-intrusive)
• Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) engineers and on-site support
• On-call EOD response
• Rapid response