UXO Relocated for Submerged Cable Route
Valletta, Malta Offshore clearance operations for a planned submerged electricity cable between Malta and Sicily have resulted in the discovery and safe relocation of 117 UXO items. The clearance verified the official 99-kilometer route for the second interconnector (IC2), allowing cable-laying operations to proceed later this year.
During initial marine surveys, 707 magnetic anomalies were detected along the route, with 393 requiring direct physical investigation. While 84 targets were initially confirmed as explosive hazards, further excavation revealed additional munitions buried directly beneath the detected objects, raising the final count to 117.
The ordnance, many dating back to World War II, included hand grenades, artillery shells, and Hedgehog anti-submarine mortars. Due to the extreme depths and inherent safety risks, specialized EOD personnel utilized ROVs to safely relocate the munitions. The delicate operation was executed by Interconnect Malta's contractors in close continuous coordination with the Armed Forces of Malta.








