In a rapidly evolving energy landscape, the push for marine renewable energy (MRE) is gaining momentum, but so are the challenges it poses to maritime safety. A recent study published in the journal ‘حقوق فناوریهای نوین’ (translated as ‘Rights of New Technologies’) delves into these issues, offering insights and solutions from the perspective of the Law of the Sea. The lead author, Mehdi Partovi Pirooz, a Ph.D. student in Public International Law at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran, Iran, sheds light on the complexities and opportunities that MRE presents for the maritime industry.
The study highlights that while MRE technologies are a clean and promising solution to global energy demands, they also bring about significant maritime safety challenges. “Collisions between ships and renewable energy facilities, as well as damage to energy transmission cables, present substantial challenges,” Partovi Pirooz notes. These issues are particularly pertinent in busy areas like the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where the potential for such incidents is high.
The research underscores the need for a robust legal framework to address these challenges. According to Partovi Pirooz, the current legal regime, primarily governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is not sufficient to ensure maritime safety in the face of rapidly advancing MRE technologies. “The legal framework for producing marine renewable energy is not confined to a single instrument,” he explains. “Other international and national legal documents can complement the existing legal regime to address maritime safety challenges.”
The study proposes several solutions to mitigate these risks. One key recommendation is the implementation of updated and case-specific traffic separation schemes by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This approach considers the unique characteristics of each MRE project and the specific conditions of the maritime area, thereby reducing the potential for collisions and other safety hazards.
Another critical solution is the adoption of maritime spatial planning (MSP). MSP involves managing the distribution of human activities in marine spaces to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives. By identifying potential areas for MRE production and designating specific zones for installations and cable routes, MSP can help maintain order and safety in marine areas.
The commercial implications of these findings are significant. For maritime sectors, the development of MRE technologies presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the growth of MRE can drive demand for new types of vessels, specialized equipment, and services related to the installation, maintenance, and decommissioning of offshore renewable energy facilities. On the other hand, the potential for maritime safety incidents could pose risks to shipping operations and marine environmental protection.
Partovi Pirooz emphasizes the importance of active participation and cooperation among states and international organizations, particularly the IMO, to address these challenges effectively. “The distinct and more dynamic characteristics of renewable energy production facilities compared to fossil fuel production facilities can pose challenges to maritime safety,” he states. “This requires a collaborative effort to ensure the safe and sustainable development of MRE technologies.”
In conclusion, the study published in ‘حقوق فناوریهای نوین’ provides a comprehensive analysis of the maritime safety challenges posed by MRE production and offers practical solutions based on international and national legal frameworks. For maritime professionals, the insights and recommendations presented in this research can guide the development of policies and practices that promote the safe and sustainable growth of the marine renewable energy industry.