MUONWRECK: Cosmic-ray muon tomography for non-invasive inspection of shipwrecks

This record contains the technical description (Part B) of the project proposal submitted to the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. Acronym: MUONWRECKTopic: HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-SSRI-01 (Civil Security for Society)Target TRL: Advance from TRL 2 to TRL 4 Abstract:The MUONWRECK project introduces a radical new technique for the non-invasive assessment of submerged maritime infrastructure: underwater muon tomography. High-risk shipwrecks—which often carry thousands of tons of hazardous fuel, unexploded ordnance (UXO), or represent irreplaceable cultural heritage—currently lack a cost-effective, non-destructive method for internal structural monitoring. MUONWRECK will bridge this gap by leveraging naturally occurring cosmic-ray muons, high-energy particles that penetrate deep underwater, to create high-resolution 3D “digital twins” of buried or corroding hulls without physical contact or destructive sampling. The project aims to construct a subsea muon detector capable of stable underwater operation. Through a rigorous comparative study of candidate detector technologies, the project will establish the optimal single-plane position resolution (targeting 1–3 mm) and tracking baseline (L = 25−50 cm). Analytical estimates that account for the hardening of the muon spectrum with depth indicate that the scattering-limited system-level transverse point-spread width (σPSF) will typically lie in the range 10–30 cm at a 10 m standoff for realistic underwater mean momenta (15–25 GeV/c); the final imaging resolution will be rigorously determined via full spectrum-weighted GEANT4 simulations and experimental field data. Scientifically, it will produce the first comprehensive open-access dataset of muographic signatures for maritime materials, opening a new field of maritime monitoring. Socio-economically, MUONWRECK will enable a new European market for non-destructive subsea testing while providing civil security forces and environmental agencies with a critical early-warning system. By mapping hazardous shipwrecks and identifying those requiring immediate oil-removal intervention, the project directly supports the European Green Deal’s zero-pollution ambition and enhances maritime security.