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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [BUSINESS]

2 clusters · 10 sources · 18 days · First seen · Last updated

Thessaloniki Port expansion and WWII ordnance discovery

Overview

During the expansion of Pier 6 at the Port of Thessaloniki, magnetic surveys identified approximately 1,000 World War II-era bombs on the seabed. The munitions, estimated to weigh between 15,000 and 20,000 tons, are located near the expansion site and dredging areas. It is suspected that German forces discarded the explosives during their 1944 withdrawal from the city.

Management at OLTH SA has requested state assistance for the removal of the ordnance, noting that the task exceeds the capabilities of the port and the construction consortium. To maintain the construction schedule, the seabed must be cleared before March.

As of late October, the installation of cellular structural elements, or caissons, has surpassed 50% progress, with 11 of the 21 required caissons positioned. To mitigate delays caused by the unexploded munitions, workers are prioritizing tasks unaffected by the ordnance, such as the installation of toe protection slabs. However, the project remains at risk of further delays as the next phase cannot proceed until the seabed is cleared.

Entities

Port of Thessaloniki · Thessaloniki · Thermaic Gulf · Pier 6 · OLTH SA

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Thessaloniki Port expansion reaches 50% progress on caisson installation

    Expansion of Pier 6 at the Port of Thessaloniki has reached 50% progress in caisson installation, though unexploded WWII ordnance on the seabed threatens to delay future project phases.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 8 sources
    Port of Thessaloniki discovery of 1,000 WWII bombs

    Approximately 1,000 WWII-era bombs, weighing up to 20,000 tons in total, have been discovered on the seabed of the Port of Thessaloniki, threatening ongoing pier expansion projects.

Sources

bloko.gr · enikos.gr · lawandorder.gr · metrosport.gr · naftemporiki.gr · newsbomb.gr · ot.gr · thepressroom.gr · tromaktiko.gr · veteranos.gr