The Challenge

Stolt Haven required urgent unexploded ordnance investigation before critical jetty refurbishment work could commence at their Thames-based oil and gas facility.

Following a comprehensive UXO Threat and Risk Assessment (TARA) and geophysical survey conducted by 6 Alpha, 21 potential UXO targets were identified requiring immediate underwater investigation. The operational challenges were complex:

• Active energy facility – Oil and gas operations requiring continuous production throughout investigation
• Thames tidal constraints – Limited working windows due to powerful tidal flows
• Busy shipping schedule – Coordination required with constant commercial Thames traffic
• Critical infrastructure – Any operational disruption would impact vital energy supply chain
• Time-sensitive project – Jetty upgrades dependent on UXO clearance completion

The facility’s operational effectiveness couldn’t be compromised during this essential safety investigation.

Our Response

Dagger Diving deployed a specialist unexploded ordnance investigation team designed for rapid deployment in challenging Thames conditions.

Rapid Mobilisation – We identified optimal dive windows and mobilised at short notice, capitalising on every available tidal opportunity to maximise productivity.

Strategic Marine Support – Our fast watercraft enabled precision in-and-out operations, supporting the tactical approach needed to minimise facility downtime whilst maintaining investigation thoroughness.

Tidal Planning Excellence – Our systematic approach worked within Thames tidal patterns, ensuring safe access to all 21 targets whilst coordinating with busy shipping schedules.

• Zero Disruption Operations – We planned and executed every dive to maintain the oil and gas facility’s operational effectiveness, ensuring continuous energy production throughout the investigation period.

Comprehensive Target Investigation – Our experienced UXO divers systematically investigated each potential target using specialist detection equipment and established identification protocols.

The Outcome

Mission accomplished – all 21 UXO targets cleared enabling critical infrastructure upgrades.

Complete unexploded ordnance investigation results:

• 21 targets successfully investigated – Comprehensive clearance of all identified potential UXO
• Operational effectiveness maintained – Oil and gas production continued uninterrupted
• Critical upgrades enabled – Thunderer Jetty refurbishment cleared to proceed with confidence
• Zero safety incidents – Perfect safety record throughout challenging Thames operations
• Client reassurance delivered – Complete confidence in site safety for future construction work

Our systematic unexploded ordnance investigation and rapid deployment capability enabled Stolt Haven to proceed with essential infrastructure upgrades whilst maintaining their critical energy operations on the Thames.

Project delivered ensuring facility safety and operational continuity with zero production impact.

Performance Metrics:

• 44 successful dives completed in challenging Thames tidal conditions
• Zero accidents, near misses, or incidents – Perfect safety record maintained
• 6 proactive safety observations raised demonstrating continuous improvement culture
• Full compliance with ISO Quality, Environmental and H&S Standards, IMCA D023, and CDM 2015 Regulations

Technical Note: Unexploded ordnance investigation involves systematic underwater examination of potential explosive devices identified through geophysical surveys. The Thames was heavily bombed during WWII, making comprehensive UXO investigation essential before any construction or excavation work near critical infrastructure.