Dr Ntovas presents on matters of the law of the sea at DG Move of the European Commission

On 9 December 2020, the IML Director, Associate Professor in Maritime Law, Dr Alexandros X.M. Ntovas delivered a masterclass on the development of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as a timeless ‘constitution of the oceans’, with emphasis on the interplay of jurisdictions in the context of shipping, and the protection and preservation of the marine environment. Dr Ntovas explained the freedoms, rights and responsibilities for international actors, including the EU, with respect to the use of the world's oceans, and the process of the evolution of the Convention as a framework for a plethora of other economic activities. This includes shipping as a prime example, as well as other undertakings, in keeping the essential balance with the prerequisites for protection and preservation of the marine environment, the sustainable use of resources, while in many respects also promotes the precepts of social justice. The masterclass featured an overview of the Convention’s expanding remit by focusing on the interplay between the exclusive jurisdiction of the flag State, and the concurrent role exercised by the port and coastal States.

Dr Ntovas was welcomed virtually at the Brussels headquarters of the European Commission and kindly introduced by the Director of Waterborne Transport DG Move, Ms Magda Kopczynska. The masterclass was very well attended by officials also by other DGs and even members of EU agencies elsewhere.