The Delimitation Method for the Continental Shelf Beyond 200 Nautical Miles: A Reflection on the Judicial and Arbitral Decisions

Abstract This article examines the practice of the international judicial and arbitral tribunals thus far in delimiting the continental shelf beyond 200 nm, and indicates the trend reflected in the decisions. However, the article disagrees with the critical observation of the tribunals that the delimitation method for the continental shelf beyond 200 nm should follow that within 200 nm. The delimitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nm is essentially different from the single maritime delimitation within 200 nm, and various methods may be employed in order to achieve an equitable result in a particular case.