Fugro Tests UXO Detection System

Fugro has undertaken successful trials of its new GeoWing, a system designed to detect low ferrous content unexploded ordnance (UXO) items in challenging marine environments.

The company claims the new GeoWing system is beneficial for subsea construction projects, such as wind farms and cable route developments, particularly in magnetically ‘noisy’ marine environments and areas affected by strong tidal currents.

The magnetic signature from small items of UXO can often be masked by the magnetic signature of other sources, such as the background geology. The GeoWing detects variations in both vertical and transverse magnetic gradient, which enables the ferrous signature from background geology and motion noise to be almost entirely removed from the analysis, says Fugro.

Dr Anne Chabert, Chief Geophysicist at Fugro EMU, said: “The GeoWing can be operated at a speed of up to 6 knots and has been designed to offer a cost effective solution for the detection of relatively small UXO.”

Fugro is currently deploying the new GeoWing system on projects in Europe, the Baltic and southern North Sea, with high demand anticipated amongst clients planning cable routes, pipelines and offshore renewable projects.