Results

Based on the outcome of the market consultation, Maritime Access together with a number of stakeholders considered possible next steps towards the intended test. One option that was considered, was the set-up of a 'replica site' with inert material ('empty shells') in which (new) technologies for monitoring, detection, retrieval, etc. could be tested without the explosion risks on the 'real' De Paardenmarkt site. In parallel (and outside the PIP project), there are (further) initiatives to further map the De Paardenmarkt site itself, a.o. the Strategic Basic Research (Strategisch Basis Onderzoek - SBO) project Dumpsites of munitions: Integrated Science Approach to Risk and Management (DISARM) of the Flanders Marine Institute (Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee - VLIZ). DISARM could also provide important information to set up a replica site as accurate and representative as possible.

Due to the lack of support from various crucial stakeholders and of a legal and judicial framework in which the creation of a replica site (and ultimately an actual test) would be possible, Maritime Access has decided not to continue the PIP project.

Should DISARM detect new needs, opportunities and/or insights for the clearance of the De Paardenmarkt site, then Maritime Access will gladly (co-) respond to these.