Martin, Tim --- "Energy and international boundaries" [2014] ELECD 254; in Talus, Kim (ed), "Research Handbook on International Energy Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2014) 181

Book Title: Research Handbook on International Energy Law

Editor(s): Talus, Kim

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781781002193

Section: Chapter 7

Section Title: Energy and international boundaries

Author(s): Martin, Tim

Number of pages: 16

Abstract/Description:

The energy sector, in particular the oil and gas business, has a long history of dealing with international boundaries and the disputes that sometimes arise from them. This happens when oil and gas fields extend over international borders. Geology pays no attention to political boundaries. However, international oil companies (IOCs) have to pursue that geology wherever it may take them, including over and through boundaries that are placed in their path. The setting of boundaries and any disputes related to those boundaries essentially involve only governments since only they are able to claim sovereign title and only they can resolve boundaries with their neighbouring states. However, IOCs get indirectly involved in these disputes when they are granted concessions that straddle disputed boundary lines. Most of those boundary disputes occur in maritime waters. The number of boundary disputes has increased as the industry has moved into deeper waters and further offshore with improving technology. There are certainly a large number of boundary disputes remaining that will take many years to resolve.