The High Seas Treaty – Implications For Shipping

After several years of negotiations, an intergovernmental conference at the UN has reached an agreement on a draft treaty aimed at conserving marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The treaty has a potential to significantly impact international shipping.

Although the final text has been agreed, the High Seas Treaty will only come into effect after it has been formally adopted at a later UN session and then ratified by at least 60 member nations. This process is expected to take years. Once in effect, the treaty is expected to have significant implications for various sectors such as scientific research, deep-ocean mining, and various offshore activities. However, the treaty may also have significant implications for international shipping.