A New Vessel on the Block. How the Law of the Sea Applies to Floating Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

After the first of its kind Akademik Lomonosov was deployed by the Russian energy company Rosatom, one question loomed in the field of the Law of the Sea. How does the Law of the Sea apply to this unique new vessel? This thesis offers a legal doctrinal analysis of the existing international law that would apply to FNPPs during navigation in the maritime zones of other countries and in the high seas. The legal analysis will cover the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and related International Maritime Organization instruments. In addition, questions on environmental concerns surrounding FNPPs and classification of FNPPs will also be addressed in order to offer a well-rounded understanding of the challenges surrounding FNPPs.