At the beginning of March 2025, our Shipping & New Fuels Business Development Manager, Steve Storey, had the pleasure of attending the third workshop in the series of Project Tangaroa – an inspiring and globally significant initiative. These workshops began in 2024, with the first hosted in London, followed by Helsinki, and this year’s event held in Malta. OSRL has been proud to play an active role in each of these sessions, as the only Spill Response Organisation involved in this ambitious global project.
What is project Tangaroa?
Project Tangaroa is an international initiative focused on addressing the environmental threats posed by over 8,500 potentially polluting wrecks (PPWs) around the world – many of them remnants from World Wars I and II. These sunken vessels hold hazardous materials such as oil, chemicals, and unexploded munitions, posing serious risks to marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
The project launched in 2023 with a goal to develop a global framework for the assessment, intervention, and sharing of data on these wrecks, with the aim of mitigating pollution risks and preserving cultural heritage by 2028.
The global, toxic legacy of shipwrecks containing vast quantities of oil, munitions, and hazardous materials has been deteriorating. Many are becoming unstable, and some are leaking and causing harm to their surroundings now.
Many of these wrecks lie close to vulnerable coastal communities, vital fishing grounds, fragile ecosystems in protected areas, and world heritage sites. The harm to human well-being and the economic cost will be enormous.
The need for collective, decisive action has never been greater. As the world approaches the 100th anniversary of World War II in 2039, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to confront and resolve the enduring environmental legacy of conflict. Protecting both people and the planet must remain at the centre of our efforts.
Project objectives
Project Tangaroa’s primary objectives include:
- Developing a global framework for the near- and long-term assessment and management of PPWs.
- Creating international standards to guide assessment and remediation efforts.
- Enhancing research and development to identify technological gaps and improve intervention methods.
- Facilitating funding pathways to support proactive PPW management and ocean stewardship.
- Promoting stakeholder collaboration to improve cross-border cooperation and data sharing.
- Raising awareness to elevate public and political consciousness of PPW-related challenges.
Funders and collaborators
Project Tangaroa is funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation. It brings together leading organisations such as The Ocean Foundation, Waves Group, IUCN, UNESCO Ocean, ICOMOS, Major Projects Foundation, and Marinas Guardian, combining expertise in ocean health, marine salvage, conservation, and cultural heritage.
Workshops and key outcomes
The series of workshops have been central to advancing the project’s goals:
- London, April 2024: Focused on governance and management of PPWs, setting the foundation for collaborative work.
- Helsinki, September 2024: Explored technologies and methodologies for PPW assessment and intervention, identifying critical gaps and innovation needs.
- Malta, March 2025: Addressed archival strategies and data sharing, ensuring that vital information is accessible for informed decision-making across stakeholder groups.
The workshops have led to the development of a comprehensive workplan for delivery by 2028, set agendas for upcoming workshops, and initiated collaborative statements between partners.
Next steps
Looking ahead, the project will focus on:
- Implementing workshop outcomes through pilot projects to test new frameworks and technologies.
- Expanding stakeholder engagement across governments, NGOs, industry, and local communities.
- Securing additional funding to scale proactive management and technological solutions.
Conclusion
Project Tangaroa represents a pivotal step forward in global ocean stewardship. By working together across borders and sectors, we can reduce pollution risks, protect marine environments, and safeguard cultural heritage for future generations.
OSRL is pleased to contribute to this essential work, bringing our expertise in spill preparedness and response to help shape a safer, more resilient marine world.
Useful links:
Together, we are shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for our oceans.
