When Wrecks Become Risks: ENDURE Hosts International Workshop on Corrosion and Pollution

ENDURE recently hosted an international workshop

 bringing together experts from England, Estonia, Finland, and Denmark, with a focus on corrosion of metal shipwrecks and the growing challenges associated with so-called potentially polluting wrecks. Many wrecks — including several from the Second World War — are increasingly deteriorating, which raises the risk of oil leaks and thus poses a potential environmental threat to our waters.

The workshop gathered researchers and specialists to discuss corrosion processes, including microbially induced corrosion, as well as new methods for sampling directly from the wrecks. A key theme was also the monitoring of wrecks through surveying, digital documentation, and visualization. Among other things, VR technology was demonstrated as a tool to identify particularly degraded areas and to help prioritize future interventions.

Participants shared experiences from fieldwork and explored opportunities for joint methodologies and strengthened international collaboration. The workshop highlighted the need for interdisciplinary research and coordination if we are to better understand the degradation of shipwrecks and develop sustainable strategies for monitoring and protecting both cultural heritage and the marine environment.