About time. #Ireland has international obligations under the frameworks of the EU, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to interdict, inspect and, if necessary, arrest illegal vessels breaching sanctions and maritime safety regulations.
Irish Defence Minister says Ireland considering boarding and inspecting Russian Shadow Fleet ships
Helen McEntee, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, was speaking to The Journal today as she attends meetings at the Munich Security Conference.
www.thejournal.ie
February 15, 2026 at 10:54 AM
About time. #Ireland has international obligations under the frameworks of the EU, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to interdict, inspect and, if necessary, arrest illegal vessels breaching sanctions and maritime safety regulations.
The partnership underscores commitment to a rules-based international order, UN-led multilateralism, and respect for UNCLOS. It reflects collective responsibility in a shifting multipolar world.
#Multilateralism #GlobalGovernance
stratheia.com/eu-india-par...
#Multilateralism #GlobalGovernance
stratheia.com/eu-india-par...
EU-India Partnership: Maritime Security and Multipolar Collaboration in the Indo-Pacific - Stratheia
India and the EU sign a landmark Security and Defence Partnership to strengthen maritime, cyber, and strategic ties.
stratheia.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:00 AM
The partnership underscores commitment to a rules-based international order, UN-led multilateralism, and respect for UNCLOS. It reflects collective responsibility in a shifting multipolar world.
#Multilateralism #GlobalGovernance
stratheia.com/eu-india-par...
#Multilateralism #GlobalGovernance
stratheia.com/eu-india-par...
Russia adapts within those constraints by reflagging vessels under UNCLOS, rerouting oil flows, and sustaining revenue. The system absorbs friction without altering trajectory.
This is the loop Europe is stuck im. The risk ceiling remains fixed. Policy operates inside it.
17/23
This is the loop Europe is stuck im. The risk ceiling remains fixed. Policy operates inside it.
17/23
February 14, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Russia adapts within those constraints by reflagging vessels under UNCLOS, rerouting oil flows, and sustaining revenue. The system absorbs friction without altering trajectory.
This is the loop Europe is stuck im. The risk ceiling remains fixed. Policy operates inside it.
17/23
This is the loop Europe is stuck im. The risk ceiling remains fixed. Policy operates inside it.
17/23
When a nuclear armed state is waging territorial war on Europe’s border and openly attempting to dismantle the post-Cold War security order, legal restraint ceases to be virtue if it prevents effective defense.
UNCLOS protects navigational stability and commercial transit.
10/23
UNCLOS protects navigational stability and commercial transit.
10/23
February 14, 2026 at 1:51 PM
When a nuclear armed state is waging territorial war on Europe’s border and openly attempting to dismantle the post-Cold War security order, legal restraint ceases to be virtue if it prevents effective defense.
UNCLOS protects navigational stability and commercial transit.
10/23
UNCLOS protects navigational stability and commercial transit.
10/23
When vessels sailed without secure registry status, boarding authority under UNCLOS was clearer. Reflagging narrows that window. What was once a largely unexploited vulnerability is becoming formal legal protection.
8/23
8/23
February 14, 2026 at 1:51 PM
When vessels sailed without secure registry status, boarding authority under UNCLOS was clearer. Reflagging narrows that window. What was once a largely unexploited vulnerability is becoming formal legal protection.
8/23
8/23
Its effect is strategic.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), stateless or falsely flagged vessels are subject to boarding on the high seas. Properly registered vessels enjoy flag state protection, which raises the legal and diplomatic threshold for interference.
4/23
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), stateless or falsely flagged vessels are subject to boarding on the high seas. Properly registered vessels enjoy flag state protection, which raises the legal and diplomatic threshold for interference.
4/23
February 14, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Its effect is strategic.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), stateless or falsely flagged vessels are subject to boarding on the high seas. Properly registered vessels enjoy flag state protection, which raises the legal and diplomatic threshold for interference.
4/23
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), stateless or falsely flagged vessels are subject to boarding on the high seas. Properly registered vessels enjoy flag state protection, which raises the legal and diplomatic threshold for interference.
4/23
UNCLOS "waste paper" critic in law of the jungle warning
February 14, 2026 at 11:26 AM
UNCLOS "waste paper" critic in law of the jungle warning
Η οποία επίκληση #Ερντογαν στο διεθνές δίκαιο κ μάλιστα όταν δεν αναγνωρίζει τη σύμβαση UNCLOS του 1982 εχει την ίδια αξία με το να ορκιζόταν στα ματάκια τα γουρλοματικα του Μίστερ Μπιν.
February 13, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Η οποία επίκληση #Ερντογαν στο διεθνές δίκαιο κ μάλιστα όταν δεν αναγνωρίζει τη σύμβαση UNCLOS του 1982 εχει την ίδια αξία με το να ορκιζόταν στα ματάκια τα γουρλοματικα του Μίστερ Μπιν.
The India–EU Security and Defence Partnership reinforces a rules-based international order, emphasizing multilateralism, UNCLOS, and peaceful dispute resolution amid global uncertainty.
#RulesBasedOrder #Multilateralism #UNCLOS
stratheia.com/india-eu-sec...
#RulesBasedOrder #Multilateralism #UNCLOS
stratheia.com/india-eu-sec...
India-EU Security and Defence Partnership - Stratheia
India and the EU deepen strategic ties through a Security and Defence Partnership shaping Indo-Pacific stability and multipolar cooperation.
stratheia.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:00 AM
The India–EU Security and Defence Partnership reinforces a rules-based international order, emphasizing multilateralism, UNCLOS, and peaceful dispute resolution amid global uncertainty.
#RulesBasedOrder #Multilateralism #UNCLOS
stratheia.com/india-eu-sec...
#RulesBasedOrder #Multilateralism #UNCLOS
stratheia.com/india-eu-sec...
Het lijkt mij daarom wel degelijk zinvol om nieuw beleid te baseren op nieuwe (nationale) wetgeving, liefst EU-breed en in overleg met de IMO en zoveel mogelijk gekaderd binnen UNCLOS. Zo werk je langzaam maar zeker aan nieuwe normen binnen het zeerecht.
February 12, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Het lijkt mij daarom wel degelijk zinvol om nieuw beleid te baseren op nieuwe (nationale) wetgeving, liefst EU-breed en in overleg met de IMO en zoveel mogelijk gekaderd binnen UNCLOS. Zo werk je langzaam maar zeker aan nieuwe normen binnen het zeerecht.
Woudstra verwijst naar UNCLOS artikel 110.3 zo lijkt het. Ik ben alleen bang dat het ons meer dan een schadevergoeding kan kosten: het zo ruim interpreteren van artikel 110 ondermijnt namelijk ook het principe van de soevereiniteit van de vlaggenstaat. Dit kan zich ook tegen onze schepen keren.
February 12, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Woudstra verwijst naar UNCLOS artikel 110.3 zo lijkt het. Ik ben alleen bang dat het ons meer dan een schadevergoeding kan kosten: het zo ruim interpreteren van artikel 110 ondermijnt namelijk ook het principe van de soevereiniteit van de vlaggenstaat. Dit kan zich ook tegen onze schepen keren.
Niels Woudstra, oud-marineofficier en expert internationaal zeerecht: veel Europese landen zijn niet daadkrachtig: ‘Nieuwe wetgeving is niet nodig. Het zijn geen juridische keuzes, maar beleidskeuzes: kiezen om het nu te doen, want het juridisch kader (UNCLOS) is er.’
www.ftm.nl/artikelen/50...
www.ftm.nl/artikelen/50...
500 olietankers uit de schaduwvloot mogen geënterd worden – ook in de Noordzee
Honderden olietankers varen zonder geldige vlag terwijl zij olie uit Rusland, Iran en Venezuela vervoeren. Onder het zeerecht mogen landen deze schepen enteren, zoals de VS en Frankrijk recent deden. ...
www.ftm.nl
February 12, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Niels Woudstra, oud-marineofficier en expert internationaal zeerecht: veel Europese landen zijn niet daadkrachtig: ‘Nieuwe wetgeving is niet nodig. Het zijn geen juridische keuzes, maar beleidskeuzes: kiezen om het nu te doen, want het juridisch kader (UNCLOS) is er.’
www.ftm.nl/artikelen/50...
www.ftm.nl/artikelen/50...
Ook de Nederlandse regering werkt inmiddels aan wetgeving om dit mogelijk te maken:
"Om sommige bepalingen van het VN-Zeerechtverdrag in België toepasbaar te maken, moet volgens de minister een aantal zaken zowel juridisch als operationeel worden vastgelegd." #UNCLOS www.demorgen.be/snelnieuws/b...
"Om sommige bepalingen van het VN-Zeerechtverdrag in België toepasbaar te maken, moet volgens de minister een aantal zaken zowel juridisch als operationeel worden vastgelegd." #UNCLOS www.demorgen.be/snelnieuws/b...
België werkt aan wet om tankers van Russische schaduwvloot te kunnen onderscheppen
België werkt aan een wetswijziging om te kunnen optreden tegen schepen die onder een valse vlag varen, om op die manier vaartuigen van de Russische schaduwvloot te kunnen onderscheppen. Dat zegt minis...
www.demorgen.be
February 12, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Ook de Nederlandse regering werkt inmiddels aan wetgeving om dit mogelijk te maken:
"Om sommige bepalingen van het VN-Zeerechtverdrag in België toepasbaar te maken, moet volgens de minister een aantal zaken zowel juridisch als operationeel worden vastgelegd." #UNCLOS www.demorgen.be/snelnieuws/b...
"Om sommige bepalingen van het VN-Zeerechtverdrag in België toepasbaar te maken, moet volgens de minister een aantal zaken zowel juridisch als operationeel worden vastgelegd." #UNCLOS www.demorgen.be/snelnieuws/b...
Do they really think UNCLOS gives them the right to build a shipping canal across BC or something?
February 11, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Do they really think UNCLOS gives them the right to build a shipping canal across BC or something?
As the USA has not ratified UNCLOS, an independent Alberta would have even less right to access that country’s coast. The northwestern states have been particularly resistant to pipelines.
February 11, 2026 at 5:44 PM
As the USA has not ratified UNCLOS, an independent Alberta would have even less right to access that country’s coast. The northwestern states have been particularly resistant to pipelines.
UNCLOS does not give landlocked states unimpeded access to the sea. There would have to be an agreement to do so, and the agreement would likely include environmental protections and payments to Canada (although UNCLOS does seem to give greater rights if one uses a mule-train for transport).
These are not smart people.
1) Independence makes you *more* dependent on federal policy, since they get to decide whether or not you can access TMX. Forget about ever building another pipeline west.
2) You need the goods (food, etc.) that cross "our land". Blocking their passage is self-injury.
1) Independence makes you *more* dependent on federal policy, since they get to decide whether or not you can access TMX. Forget about ever building another pipeline west.
2) You need the goods (food, etc.) that cross "our land". Blocking their passage is self-injury.
February 11, 2026 at 5:41 PM
UNCLOS does not give landlocked states unimpeded access to the sea. There would have to be an agreement to do so, and the agreement would likely include environmental protections and payments to Canada (although UNCLOS does seem to give greater rights if one uses a mule-train for transport).
The arms race on the seabed: the US is moving ahead with deep-sea mining in international waters (outside UNCLOS and thus outside internationally approved licences).
@atlanticcouncil.bsky.social Maritime Threats Initiative's latest report (by yours truly): www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res....
@atlanticcouncil.bsky.social Maritime Threats Initiative's latest report (by yours truly): www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res....
Mining without rules: The risky US bet on the deep sea
Amid efforts to acquire coveted critical minerals, in April 2025 the United States permitted deep-sea mining within international waters. Elisabeth Braw explores the implications of the Trump Administ...
www.atlanticcouncil.org
February 10, 2026 at 8:44 AM
The arms race on the seabed: the US is moving ahead with deep-sea mining in international waters (outside UNCLOS and thus outside internationally approved licences).
@atlanticcouncil.bsky.social Maritime Threats Initiative's latest report (by yours truly): www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res....
@atlanticcouncil.bsky.social Maritime Threats Initiative's latest report (by yours truly): www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res....
USA robi to pewnie na podstawie swojego krajowego prawa (terroryzm itd.). Jednak wg ONZ zgodnie z art. 110 UNCLOS, państwa mogą zatrzymywać i przeszukiwać obce statki na pełnym morzu gdy statek jest bezpaństwowy (stateless), zmienia banderę w podejrzany sposób lub ukrywa tożsamość.
February 9, 2026 at 9:13 PM
USA robi to pewnie na podstawie swojego krajowego prawa (terroryzm itd.). Jednak wg ONZ zgodnie z art. 110 UNCLOS, państwa mogą zatrzymywać i przeszukiwać obce statki na pełnym morzu gdy statek jest bezpaństwowy (stateless), zmienia banderę w podejrzany sposób lub ukrywa tożsamość.
The assets were a combo of military and uscg personnel. But to clarify, a navy ship can board and detain. UNCLOS article 110 specifies that any warship or authorized government vessel can board a suspect vessel.
February 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The assets were a combo of military and uscg personnel. But to clarify, a navy ship can board and detain. UNCLOS article 110 specifies that any warship or authorized government vessel can board a suspect vessel.
Until UNCLOS evolves to address deliberate opacity and rapid reflagging, consistent pressure on sanctioned shadow-fleet vessels will come from countries willing to close the gap between legal theory and operational reality.
#OSINT
6/6
#OSINT
6/6
February 9, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Until UNCLOS evolves to address deliberate opacity and rapid reflagging, consistent pressure on sanctioned shadow-fleet vessels will come from countries willing to close the gap between legal theory and operational reality.
#OSINT
6/6
#OSINT
6/6
Under the current UNCLOS framework, ships that obscure ownership, manipulate registries, and selectively invoke legal protections exploit loopholes designed for good-faith commerce, not adversarial evasion.
On paper, sanctions regimes look strong.
3/6
On paper, sanctions regimes look strong.
3/6
February 9, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Under the current UNCLOS framework, ships that obscure ownership, manipulate registries, and selectively invoke legal protections exploit loopholes designed for good-faith commerce, not adversarial evasion.
On paper, sanctions regimes look strong.
3/6
On paper, sanctions regimes look strong.
3/6
it's a unclos thing so first they would have to become a signatory first. but you don't just get a free resource highway. mongolia has been negotiating this with china forever.
February 7, 2026 at 2:38 PM
it's a unclos thing so first they would have to become a signatory first. but you don't just get a free resource highway. mongolia has been negotiating this with china forever.
So finally upholding UNCLOS, MARPOL, and enforcing sanctions is "escalatory" now? 🙄
Russia uses dangerously unmaintained, uninsured, false flagged tankers, which routinely cause ecological disasters while funding a sanctioned military's illegal occupation.
We should seize every damn one.
Russia uses dangerously unmaintained, uninsured, false flagged tankers, which routinely cause ecological disasters while funding a sanctioned military's illegal occupation.
We should seize every damn one.
February 7, 2026 at 2:14 PM
So finally upholding UNCLOS, MARPOL, and enforcing sanctions is "escalatory" now? 🙄
Russia uses dangerously unmaintained, uninsured, false flagged tankers, which routinely cause ecological disasters while funding a sanctioned military's illegal occupation.
We should seize every damn one.
Russia uses dangerously unmaintained, uninsured, false flagged tankers, which routinely cause ecological disasters while funding a sanctioned military's illegal occupation.
We should seize every damn one.
Laut den Vereinten Nationen sind #Libyen und #Tunesien keine sicheren Orte für Anlandungen. Das Völkerrecht (UNCLOS, SOLAS, SAR) verlangt Rettung und Überstellung an einen sicheren Ort. Rückführungen mit Risiko von Folter oder willkürlicher Haft verstossen gegen #Nichtzurückweisung.
February 6, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Laut den Vereinten Nationen sind #Libyen und #Tunesien keine sicheren Orte für Anlandungen. Das Völkerrecht (UNCLOS, SOLAS, SAR) verlangt Rettung und Überstellung an einen sicheren Ort. Rückführungen mit Risiko von Folter oder willkürlicher Haft verstossen gegen #Nichtzurückweisung.