Part C Future Challenges, 4 Delimitation of the Outer Continental Shelf: Questions of Delineation and Methodology

Subject(s):

Coastal states — Continental shelf — Delimitation — Straits — Territorial sea — UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)

This final section considers two challenges that arise in connection with the delimitation of continental shelf claims beyond 200M. The first asks: how can the relationship between delimitation of outer shelf entitlements under Article 83 of UNCLOS and delineation of outer limits by the CLCS under Article 76 of UNCLOS be managed so as to reduce the risk of a deadlock situation where neither process can proceed pending completion of the other? The second challenge asks: do geological and geomorphological factors have any role to play in the delimitation of overlapping shelf entitlement beyond 200M and, if so, what is that role? This chapter looks at these two challenges in detail.