This episode of the Lloyd’s List Podcast is brought to you by Veson. Find out more at www.veson.com/decarb-guide

THE accusations of piracy and unlawful interference with freedom of navigation have been coming thick and fast for a while now, but tactics that generate accusations of piracy one day can’t simply be rebranded as “law enforcement” or “counter-narcoterrorism” the next.

The fact that governments are currently accusing each other of undermining the basic principle of freedom of navigation is arguably good news. 

This cornerstone of international law, guaranteeing ships of all nations can sail, trade, and operate freely on the high seas and through international straits, as enshrined in UNCLOS, is under threat. 

But if governments are still pointing fingers, then there is, at least, a legal principle still in play to defend. 

The immediate geopolitical and security threats to maritime trade are self-evident from the Strait of Hormuz to the Baltic, and to the South China Sea.

But the long-term consequences of eroding the rights of innocent passage carry a potentially bigger risk to the global economy.

Have these consequences been properly thought through by those that threaten to upend the principle of freedom of navigation?

Joining Richard on the podcast are:

• Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security, The International Institute for Strategic Studies

• Kristina Siig, professor of maritime law and law of the Sea, University of Southern Denmark

• Charlie Brown, senior analyst, United Against Nuclear Iran

• Robert Beckman, emeritus professor, ocean law and policy programme, National University of Singapore

• Ian Ralby, founder, IR Consilium