Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) is an annual conference from Global Underwater Hub, the leading trade and industry development body for the UK’s underwater sectors, which will take place on Thursday 1 October 2026 at The Catalyst in Newcastle. 

An increase in marine development in the waters off the United Kingdom, across Europe and internationally is leading to the discovery of an increasing number of UXO.  Safe and environmentally sensitive clearance of these legacy munitions is required to protect human and marine life and the planned infrastructure, whilst also not impeding existing marine users.

The sold-out 2025 conference, brought together over 110 senior managers, technical authorities, engineers, senior naval personnel, project managers and business development personnel from a range of companies that work across the unexploded ordnance and defence supply chain.  

The event is being sponsored by Helix Robotics Solutions. 

A call for abstracts is now open, giving you the opportunity to be part of the conference programme and present within the schedule.

Abstracts of 200-300 words are invited on the following topics:

• Regulatory and consent

• Threat and risk assessment 

• UXO identification, mitigation, clearance and relocation

• ALARP / environmental 
   

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Why attend?

Maritime unexploded ordnance, or UXO, refers to munitions (bombs, artillery shells, depth charges, torpedoes, sea mines etc) that have been fired but failed to function as intended.

The waters around the UK coast, the Baltic Sea and many other global coastal waters, contain UXO that potentially pose a risk for infrastructure, maritime users, marine wildlife and the environment.  Offshore wind farm sites, ports and landfall approaches often overlap with areas previously used in military conflict, locations for military training exercises or as munitions dumping grounds, therefore offshore wind farm developers must ensure that they have reduced the risk from UXO to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Previously, clearance of marine UXO has generally been undertaken by high-order detonation of the UXO using an additional high explosive donor charge to make the UXO function as designed.  However, this release of energy can injure or disturb protected marine mammals and fish, damages marine habitats, creates craters and liquifies the seabed, which negatively affect the installation of infrastructure.  Newer, lower impact alternative methods are now being utilised and recognised by the UK regulatory authorities as the preferred method of UXO disposal. 

Who should attend?

Increased use of the marine landscape around the United Kingdom, across Europe and internationally brings potential threats from UXO.  This one-day conference in Newcastle will explore this important topic, offering different perspectives of the challenges involved and remedial options available.  By attending the UXO conference you will have the opportunity to: 

• Learn about UXO survey tools and processes

• Hear from companies at the forefront of UXO management

• Gain an understanding of challenges around marine UXOs

• Share experiences and knowledge with fellow companies and individuals in this field

• Network with colleagues from across the UXO, marine and energy sectors. 
   

Booking

Registration for this event, organised by Global Underwater Hub, is now open with discounts available for Global Underwater Hub members:  

Booking for this event is scheduled to close on Thursday, 24 September at 12:00noon or before if the event sells out.  Please note that tickets are limited and may sell out before this date, so we encourage you to secure your place as soon as possible.

Last year (2025) the event sold out, therefore don’t risk missing out and get your ticket booked, today!

Please note that ticket prices on the booking page are inclusive of VAT.  For details of our event terms and conditions, click here.
 

Networking Drinks Reception

Join colleagues from across the underwater sector at the free-to-attend Official UXO Drinks Reception, taking place the evening prior to the conference on Wednesday 30 September, from 6pm.  

The evening event is an excellent opportunity to network with exhibitors, delegates, sponsors and organisers in a relaxed setting.  

The venue will be announced shortly.  
 

The 2026 edition of the Unexploded Ordnance Conference will take place at The Catalyst in Newcastle.  

The Catalyst is located within the new £350 million Helix development, a ground-breaking 24-acre hybrid city quartet in the centre of Newcastle that brings together businesses, academia, the local community, technology and science. 

Sponsorship
Ready to showcase your expertise to the unexploded ordnance industry. Then don’t miss this opportunity to take the spotlight. Sign up now to become a sponsor!

A range of sponsorship and exhibiting options are available at the UXO Conference, allowing you to showcase your brand with this important industry event. Download the sponsorship pack HERE.

To discuss contact our events team on events@theguh.co.uk or call +44(0)1224 506600. 
 

About Global Underwater Hub
Global Underwater Hub is the leading trade and industry development body for the UK’s underwater sectors.  Find out more about becoming a member.