Between Norway and The Netherlands, a high-voltage power cable (NorNed) is planned and realised by Norwegian Statnett SF and Dutch TenneT TSO BV. Periplus Archeomare BV carried out a side-scan sonar survey of the bottom of the eastern Wadden sea. As a result of this survey, a small number of locations was selected for further investigation. The main aim was to determine the archaelogical potential of these locations. At a distance of 29 meters from the proposed route of the electricity cable, a shipwreck was discovered on location D1.On the 19th, 20th and 21st of April, 2006, Archaeological Research & Consultancy (ARC bv), Groningen, participated in investigating the potentially interesting locations, D1, D2 and D5, by a diving-unit, carried out by Subcom BV and managed by Periplus Archeomare BV. On behalf of ARC bv drs. C.G. Koopstra and mw. drs. J.B. Hielkema, both senior archaeologists, participated in the fieldwork.The finds from location D1, consisting of wooden samples from the wreck and a human bone, were studied by drs. ing. G.J. de Roller and mw. drs. G.M.A. Bergsma. Prof. dr. H.R. Reinders, Groninger Institute of Archaeology (RUG) and drs.W. Kerkmeijer, head collection and conservator of the Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum, Groningen, were so kind as to provide additional information about shipwrecks in general, including their archaeological potention.Near the Eemshaven a shipwreck was discovered, that dates from the latter part of the 17th century. Dendrochronological dating of wood from this ship indicates that the ship was built after 1667 AD. The relatively huge size of the planks and beams indicate that it may be a large seafaring ship. The remains that are still embedded in the clay, are well preserved. The parts of the ship that are exposed, however, are afflicted by shipworm, white paddock and probably other sea-organisms. This means that erosion of the ship will continue, unless some action is undertaken to consolidate the condition of the shipwreck.

Date: 2006