Shipwrecks

Shipwrecks as an environmental problem

Shipwrecks leaking oil or petroleum products pose risk to marine life in Swedish waters. Organisms living in the vicinity of the shipwreck are mainly affected but the oil can also spread to other areas with the currents. Toxic substances such as oil, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH:s) and heavy metals are taken up by microorganisms and transferred up the food chain to fish and crustaceans.

Several shipwrecks contain large volumes of oil that can, when it leaks out, damage large areas. Read more about the effects of oil spillson our Swedish pages.

Distribution of responsibility in the working group

• Chalmers University of Technology develop the probabilistic risk assessment tool VRAKA
• The Swedish Maritime Administration performs hydrographic surveys to examine the status and position of the shipwrecks.
• Swedish National Maritime Museums contribute with historical information regarding the ship and the wreckage.
• The Swedish Coast Guard and the Swedish Armed Forces (the Navy) dive and film the shipwrecks with remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV) to investigate if they pose a threat to the environment. The Coast Guard does also perform remediation operations in the event of an acute oil spill.
• SwAM coordinates the investigations and the recovery of hazardous substances and ghost nets. Competent and experienced contractors which SwAM has framework agreements with carry out the work. SwAM also assists in developing new methods for the remediation of shipwrecks.

Reports on environmentally hazardous shipwrecks

• Environmental risks with shipwrecks (2011) Swedish Maritime Administration (in Swedish).
• Environmental hazards with shipwrecks I (2014) Swedish Maritime Administration (in Swedish).
• Environmental hazards with shipwrecks II (2015) Swedish Maritime Administration (in Swedish).
• Shipwrecks in Skagerrak (2006) County Administrative Board Västra Götaland (in Swedish).
• Polluting shipwrecks in Swedish waters (2021) International Oil Spill Conference

If you find a shipwreck or ammunition

If you find ammunition, sea mines or mustard gas, immediately contact the Joint Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (JRCC) or the Emergency Center 112.

If you find a shipwreck, contact the Swedish Maritime Administration.