Maritime delimitation and prospects for joint development in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The thesis examines the evolving concept of maritime delimitation, particularly in the context of the Eastern Mediterranean. It explores the historical development of maritime law, the legal and geopolitical complexities in the region, and the challenges posed by overlapping maritime claims and migratory hydrocarbon resources. Focusing on the Aegean Sea dispute between Greece and Turkey, the study proposes a joint development model inspired by the Malaysia-Thailand joint development agreement. This model aims to maximize the economic benefits of hydrocarbon resources while mitigating political tensions. The research argues for a phased, bottom-up approach to joint development, emphasizing initial confidence-building measures such as joint seismic surveys, followed by the establishment of a joint development authority. The successful implementation of this model could transform the regional energy landscape and foster broader geopolitical stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. The thesis explores the complex issue of maritime delimitation, focusing on the Eastern Mediterranean region where geopolitical tensions and overlapping maritime claims are prevalent. It provides a detailed historical analysis of maritime law evolution, particularly under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and examines the specific challenges faced in the Eastern Mediterranean due to political, economic, and legal factors. A significant part of the research is dedicated to analyzing the joint development agreement between Malaysia and Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. The study extracts key lessons from this successful model, proposing a similar phased and collaborative approach for resolving the Aegean Sea dispute between Greece and Turkey. The proposed model emphasizes initial confidence-building measures, such as joint seismic surveys, followed by the establishment of a joint development authority to oversee resource exploitation and manage conflicts. The thesis concludes that a well-structured joint development model could not only maximize the economic benefits of hydrocarbon resources in the region but also contribute to broader geopolitical stability. Recommendations are provided for policymakers to consider this approach as a viable solution to longstanding maritime disputes.