Energy at Sea

The research focuses on the status of pipelines in the marine environment, including issues on their placement, joint development and operation, responsibility and liability for environmental harm caused by them and harm caused to them by other users of the sea as well as questions related to their dismantlement or removal. The existing State practice on the joint development of energy fields is reviewed, with a view to identify the minimum parameters for the conclusion of such agreements. It will include questions of investment financing, profit-sharing and liability. It will be attempted to construct a comprehensive investment regime for offshore energy projects, extrapolating on the experience of the Energy Charter Treaty and the relevant EU legislation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the settlement of the ensuing disputes, including arbitration and conciliation procedures.

Expected key results: Policy considerations and a checklist of requirements for the completion and operation of successful cooperative energy projects at sea

Deliverables:

1. A full report on the placement and operation of pipelines at sea

2. A full report on the joint development of energy fields at sea