In June 2026, Fraunhofer ICT placed munitions in the sea high on the agenda of its 55th Annual Conference in Karlsruhe (DE). With strong MMinE-SwEEPER involvement, the event brought together international experts to discuss new technologies, disposal approaches and policy developments for tackling munitions in the sea
In June 2026, MMinE-SwEEPER partner Fraunhofer ICT hosted its prestigious 55th Annual Conference in Karlsruhe (Germany), once again placing the topic of munitions in the sea high on the agenda. Following its successful introduction last year, this year’s programme, supported by JPI Oceans on the programme committee, featured dedicated keynotes, presentations and panel discussions over 1.5 days. Topics included scaling up current technologies, chemical neutralisation, Low Order Deflagration (LOD) and High Order Detonation (HOD) approaches, regulatory aspects of transport and storage, policy developments at national and European levels, and initiatives to strengthen the growing Munitions in the Sea community.
MMinE-SwEEPER was strongly represented throughout the conference. A keynote by Jens Greinert highlighted the project, while project partners Fraunhofer ICT, GEOMAR, SeaTerra, the Royal Military Academy Belgium, Cranfield University and JPI Oceans contributed presentations and panel discussions, including dedicated sessions on the environmental impacts and simulation of LOD and HOD approaches within the project.
With growing momentum from Germany’s Immediate Action Programme on Munitions Recovery and the EU’s planned European UXO Removal Strategy, the conference once again underlined the importance of continued international exchange and collaboration. The next Fraunhofer ICT Annual Conference will take place from 29 June to 2 July 2027, and interested parties are warmly invited to save the date.
