Over 100 Unexploded WWII Munitions Cleared Along Malta-Sicily Interconnector Route

The clearance of 117 explosive materials from the offshore corridor of the Second Malta–Sicily Interconnector has been completed, Interconnect Malta has announced, paving the way for the next phase of marine works ahead of cable laying activities later this year.

The identification and clearance campaign along the 99-kilometre submarine route followed detailed marine surveys that initially detected 707 magnetic targets.

This figure was later refined through analysis to 393 objects requiring physical inspection and specialist offshore investigation.

During the campaign, 84 targets were confirmed as unexploded ordnance, with further buried items increasing the total to 117. The munitions, largely dating back to the Second World War, included artillery shells, hand grenades and Hedgehog anti-submarine mortars.

Specialist teams carried out the complex operation using remotely operated vehicles and dedicated offshore equipment under strict safety protocols. The works were delivered by Interconnect Malta together with Nexans, NextGeo and Sub Service S.r.l., in coordination with the Armed Forces of Malta.

Minister Miriam Dalli said the successful completion of the clearance campaign represents a major technical milestone for the Second Interconnector, describing it as central to Malta’s vision to decarbonise the energy sector by 2050.

Officials said the project will now advance towards marine cable installation.

#MaltaDaily