Legal Challenges in Protecting Transboundary Submarine Cables and Pipelines from Intentional Damage in the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf

Considering the contemporary global importance of transboundary submarine cables and pipelines, particularly from economic and societal perspectives – in contrast to the intentional breaking or injuring of such infrastructure – the aim of this research is toexamine the extent to which international law supports the jurisdiction of coastal states over maritime areas where they hold only certain sovereign rights. To that end, the author analyzes the legal regimes of the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone,as well as the relevant international law governing the protection of submarine cables and pipelines. Two key international treaties are examined: the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1884 Convention for the Protection of Sub-marine Telegraph Cables. In line with the research objectives, the author also considers the opinions of legal scholars, state practices, and relevant international jurisprudence. After synthesizing the findings, the author provides a nuanced answer regarding the scope and legal foundations of coastal states’ jurisdiction in their continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, in relation to the jurisdiction of states whose vessels or citizens intentionally damage submarine cables or pipelines.