Upcoming Session of the Continental Shelf Commission
The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) is set to hold its sixty-third session from February 17 to March 21, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This session marks a significant event in the realm of international maritime law, as it will address crucial submissions from various coastal states regarding their continental shelf limits. The session will include plenary meetings and technical examinations, providing a platform for member states to present their cases and recommendations. This article will delve into the key aspects of the upcoming session, including the new membership, submissions under review, and the commission’s operational framework.
New Membership and Leadership Changes
The upcoming session will be notable for the introduction of Ahmed Er Raji, who has been nominated by Morocco. His election as a member of the Commission occurred during the resumed thirty-fourth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on November 27, 2024. This will be his first session, and his expertise will contribute to the Commission’s work. Additionally, the resignation of Harald Brekke, nominated by Norway, due to health issues, has created a vacancy for a Vice-Chairperson. The Commission will elect a new Vice-Chairperson during this session, ensuring that leadership remains robust and effective.
The Commission consists of 21 experts in geology, geophysics, or hydrography, serving in their personal capacities. Members are elected for a five-year term, with a focus on equitable geographical representation. This ensures that diverse perspectives are included in discussions and decision-making processes. The upcoming session will also see a by-election to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Brekke, scheduled for the thirty-fifth Meeting of States Parties from June 23 to 27, 2025. This ongoing evolution in leadership is crucial for maintaining the Commission’s integrity and effectiveness in addressing continental shelf matters.
Submissions Under Review
During the sixty-third session, nine subcommissions will review various submissions from coastal states. These submissions include partial submissions from Mauritius regarding Rodrigues Island, Palau concerning the North Area, and others from Portugal, Spain, Namibia, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Additionally, Brazil and the Cook Islands have made revised submissions regarding their respective continental shelf areas.
The Commission encourages coastal states that have not yet submitted their claims to do so during the plenary meetings. Brazil and Vietnam have already accepted this invitation and will present their submissions. The plenary sessions will also address recommendations from previous submissions, including those from Cuba and Iceland. This comprehensive review process is essential for ensuring that all claims are thoroughly examined and that the recommendations made by the Commission are based on sound scientific data.
The work of the subcommissions is critical, as their findings will inform the Commission’s recommendations to coastal states. These recommendations are binding and play a vital role in defining the outer limits of continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles. The session will thus be a pivotal moment for many nations seeking to establish their maritime boundaries.
Operational Framework and Procedures
The Commission operates under a revised pattern of annual meetings, which now includes three sessions of five weeks each. This structure allows for four weeks of plenary meetings, supplemented by increased intersessional work. The meetings are primarily held in private, ensuring that sensitive discussions remain confidential unless the Commission decides otherwise.
As part of its commitment to transparency, the Commission makes executive summaries of all submissions public. These summaries include charts and coordinates and are circulated to United Nations member states and parties to the Convention. The summaries are accessible on the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea’s website, promoting awareness and understanding of the Commission’s work.
The Commission’s recommendations are based on scientific data provided by coastal states, ensuring that decisions are informed and equitable. However, if a coastal state disagrees with the Commission’s recommendations, it can submit a revised or new claim within a reasonable timeframe. This process underscores the Commission’s role as a mediator in maritime boundary disputes, fostering cooperation among states.
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