DEMINETEC in Berlin
Pyrotechnic clearance and UXO risk management.DEMINETEC operates in Berlin
DEMINETEC, a French company headquartered in La Seyne-sur-Mer (Var), delivers civilian demining (pyrotechnic clearance) and unexploded ordnance (UXO) risk management services to public and private clients in Berlin, Germany. We cover the full chain from historical pyrotechnic desk study (EHT) to ordnance neutralisation and disposal, in line with French Decree 2005-1325 and international best practice.
Pyrotechnic historical context of Berlin
Berlin carries one of the heaviest unexploded-ordnance burdens in Europe. Between 1940 and 1945 the Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces dropped over 45,000 tonnes of bombs on the Reich capital, compounded by Soviet artillery during the Battle of Berlin in April-May 1945. Estimates suggest that up to 15% of all dropped bombs failed to detonate and remain in the subsoil.
The Berlin Kampfmittelräumdienst (KMRD) handles hundreds of suspect sites each year — from major construction projects such as Tempelhofer Feld, Mediaspree, Europacity and the former Tegel airport, to U-Bahn and S-Bahn extensions. Hotspots cluster around the former Borsig (Tegel), Henschel (Schönefeld) armaments plants and Reichsbahn repair works.
These are layered with Soviet munitions, German demolition charges and chemical-warfare residues from abandoned Wehrmacht and NVA depots. For any deep excavation in Berlin, a pyrotechnic historical study and a magnetometric survey, in line with Brandenburg and Berlin authority requirements, are effectively indispensable.
Our services in Berlin
Historical pyrotechnic desk study (EHT)
Document research in national and foreign archives to qualify pyrotechnic risk on a site (bombings, combat, depots, ranges).
Pyrotechnic safety study (ESP)
Residual risk assessment, definition of effect zones, safety perimeters and collective protective measures.
Magnetometric geophysical survey
On-site detection of ferromagnetic anomalies, surface or deep, onshore or underwater.
UXO clearance
Extraction, identification and neutralisation / disposal of munitions by our NEDEX / EOD-qualified operators.
Underwater expertise
Survey and clearance in ports, rivers and offshore environments, in partnership with our group company SEMTEC.
Why choose DEMINETEC for Berlin?
- French licensed company, ISO 9001 and MASE certified, compliant with French Decree 2005-1325.
- Teams of former French Navy and Army EOD operators (NEDEX / EOD qualifications).
- Over 30 years of accumulated experience in France and on international projects.
- Onshore and underwater intervention capacity through the DEMINETEC group (SEMTEC, GEODE, DEMINETEC ECG).
- Quick response: quote within 48 hours, rapid mobilisation in France and abroad.
Territorial coverage
DEMINETEC operates in Berlin and across Germany from our French head office (285 avenue Marcel Paul, 83500 La Seyne-sur-Mer, France). We mobilise teams and technical assets to fit each mission: documentary studies, short field surveys, or long-duration clearance operations.
Frequently asked questions about UXO clearance in Berlin
Which munitions are typically found?
In Berlin and across Germany, the most frequently recovered items include artillery shells, hand grenades, landmines, aerial bombs and — in coastal areas — naval mines. Exact typology depends on the site history and is the focus of the prior historical desk study (EHT).
Does French Decree 2005-1325 apply abroad?
French Decree 2005-1325 governs civilian pyrotechnic clearance on French soil. Internationally, DEMINETEC uses it as a best-practice benchmark alongside IMAS (International Mine Action Standards) and the contractual requirements specific to Germany.
How long does a mission in Berlin typically last?
Duration varies with surface area, investigation depth and anomaly density. An EHT desk study takes 2-6 weeks, a magnetometric survey from a few days to several months, and active clearance from a few weeks up to multiple years for major projects.
Do you operate underwater?
Yes. Through our subsidiary SEMTEC and the DEMINETEC group, we provide commercial diving, underwater magnetometry and submerged-ordnance neutralisation for ports, rivers, lakes and coastal areas.
Contact DEMINETEC for Berlin
For any historical study, diagnostic or pyrotechnic clearance request, contact our teams:
DEMINETEC SAS285 avenue Marcel Paul
83500 La Seyne-sur-Mer, FRANCE
Tél: +33 (0)9 52 51 00 63
Email: contact@deminetec.com