Decommissioning Offshore Structures and Large Ships: A Threat or an Underwater Cultural Heritage Opportunity?

This article examines the feasibility of recycling, dismantling, and retaining offshore structures, such as wind turbines and oil platforms, in situ. It also scrutinizes the environmental consequences of recycling large ships. Many of these offshore structures and vessels are not designed with end-of-life considerations, and if left in situ or submerged, they could eventually be recognized as underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites. The article advocates for enhanced collaboration between the offshore and maritime industries and UCH practitioners, emphasizing the need to acknowledge UCH sites that may lack visual appeal but possess significant historical and environmental value. Furthermore, it underscores the unprecedented opportunity for heritage practitioners to proactively identify potential UCH sites before they are lost to time. Without appropriate attention and intervention, there is a substantial risk of losing an important segment of humanity's history.