Deep Seabed Mining Disputes Conference

As debates over deep-sea mining intensify and legal uncertainties mount, we are delighted to invite you to the Deep Seabed Mining Disputes Conference 2025, a timely and highly relevant forum for legal, academic, and industry experts.

Taking place on 21 February 2025 at Bucerius Law School, Hamburg, this conference will explore the emerging legal and dispute resolution challenges surrounding deep-sea exploitation under UNCLOS. With increasing concerns about environmental protection, equitable resource distribution, and the role of international courts in regulating seabed activities, our panels and discussions will tackle the most pressing legal and policy issues shaping the future of deep-sea mining.

Conference Highlights:

Keynote Speech by Prof. Rüdiger Wolfrum (Max-Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law):
"Do international courts and tribunals have legislative competences? Interpretation vs. legislative functions"

Panel 1: Procedural Framework for Seabed Disputes – Featuring leading experts from ITLOS, academia, and private practice, discussing jurisdictional and procedural complexities.

Panel 2: Enforcement of Decisions – A deep dive into challenges in enforcing international tribunal rulings in seabed disputes.

Roundtable: The Common Heritage of Humankind and its Relevance in Seabed Disputes – Addressing the fundamental legal principles guiding the governance of the deep sea.

Drinks Reception (19:00 – 20:00) – Connect with peers in an informal setting.

This event will provide critical insights for lawyers, arbitrators, academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders engaged in international dispute resolution and ocean governance.

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a highly topical and insightful discussion on the future of deep-sea exploitation and its legal challenges.

Please register by 18 February 2025.