A major offshore operation has cleared 117 unexploded wartime munitions from the seabed between Malta and Sicily, paving the way for the next phase of the country’s second interconnector project.Interconnect Malta announced that it has successfully completed the identification and clearance campaign along the planned 99-kilometre route of the Second Malta-Sicily Interconnector (IC2), a key energy project designed to strengthen Malta’s electricity connection with mainland Europe.The operation followed a detailed marine survey which initially detected 707 magnetic targets along the submarine cable corridor. After further analysis, 393 locations were identified for physical inspection by specialised offshore teams.During the campaign, crews uncovered and safely removed 117 unexploded ordnance items, most of which date back to the Second World War.The discoveries included artillery shells, hand grenades and Hedgehog anti-submarine mortars, some of which were buried beneath other objects and only identified during the clearance process.Given the risks involved, the operation was carried out using remotely operated vehicles, specialist offshore equipment and explosive ordnance disposal experts, with support from the Armed Forces of Malta.The clearance work was coordinated by Interconnect Malta’s main contractor Nexans, together with offshore specialists NextGeo and Sub Service S.r.l.Energy Minister Miriam Dalli described the operation as a significant milestone for the Second Interconnector project, which forms part of Malta’s long-term plans to decarbonise its energy sector by 2050.Meanwhile, Interconnect Malta CEO Ismail D’Amato praised the cooperation of the Armed Forces of Malta, saying their support was essential in ensuring the works were carried out safely.With the seabed route now cleared and testing of key electrical equipment in Türkiye completed successfully, the project is moving closer to the start of marine cable-laying operations later this year.For now, however, one of the most surprising discoveries has been just how much of World War II is still lying beneath the Mediterranean seabed.Photo credits to Interconnect Malta•