The major legal issues of Arctic shipping have been discussed at a conference in Singapore (9-11 December). A special session on the role of IMO was chaired by IMO’s Jan de Boer, featuring experts on maritime and international law, and the polar regions. Other issues discussed included the role of Arctic States, user States and international organisations in Arctic shipping governance. IMO’s Polar Code will enter into force on 1 January 2017, providing for safe ship operation and environmental protection by addressing the unique risks present in polar waters.
More information on the International Conference on the Governance of Arctic Shipping ‘Balancing Rights and Interest of Arctic States and User States’, hosted by the Centre for International Law of the University of Singapore, can be found here.