Integrating marine archaeology into HVDC marine cable design and realization

All Terna projects follow the legislation in force regarding the Verification of the

Archaeological Interest (Legislative Decree 36/2023 ANNEX I.8, Art. 41 paragraph 4,

GUIDELINES DPCM 02.14.2022).

Specifically, in the design of HVDC marine cables the integration of archaeology involves the following steps

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Technical feasibility:

Terna provides an overview of the distribution of coastal and underwater archaeological sites in the possible location options affected by the projects, starting with the technical feasibility.

Terna informs public authority of the implementation of the public work and/or public interest, illustrating the possible location options for landing sites and marine routes.

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Preliminary design:

Terna perform a Preliminary marine Survey (PS) which provide preparatory information for what concern bathymetry, morphology, marine environment, and surface geology of the seabed.

The goal of the Survey is to identify landings and routes guidelines defined in such a way as to guarantee an appropriate distance from the presence of a possible archaeological target.

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Executive design:

Terna perform a Detailed marine Survey (DS) which provide more detailed information than those ones given in the preliminary marine survey (PS) for what concern bathymetry, morphology, marine environment, and surface geology of the seabed identifying obstacles that may be encountered. The goal of the Survey is to identify the best route for each HVDC marine cable. Particular attention is paid to archaeological safeguarding by requiring the presence on board of qualified archaeologists throughout the duration of the survey.

Terna has always paid special attention to the values of prior consultation, participation, transparency and communication, which, in the field of marine archaeology, led to the signing of a protocol with the National Underwater Heritage Authority.

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Realization:

Terna take care the archaeological heritage also during the realization of HVDC marine cables by onboard surveillance of laying and burial activity by marine archaeologists. In such a way it is possible safeguard of the underwater archaeological heritage by maintaining a constant involvement of the Authorities during the realization activities and in same time.