Wind farm developer, Scira Offshore Energy Ltd commissioned an unexploded ordnances (UXO) survey as part of its reconstruction preparations and the bomb was found at the site of one of its foundation locations in the north-west of the offshore wind farm site.

A total of 52 targets were investigated by divers and using a remote operated vehicle (ROV). While most of the targets were debris or geological concentrations, several anchors and an old canon were found, as well as the unexploded bomb.

The bomb was found by divers from diving specialists Red7Marine and verified and detonated with explosives by disposal experts MACC International, earlier this month.

Project Director Rune Rønvik says safety is a priority during construction of the offshore wind farm and the discovery of the bomb full justified the use of such a technically precise survey, despite the additional time it required.

The Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm is owned equally by Statoil and Statkraft through the joint venture company Scira Offshore Energy. Statoil is the operator for the project during the development phase. Scira will be the operator of the wind farm.