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Abstract

This thesis examines the legal questions arising out of the delimitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nm in order to clarify the now fast developing, though confusing field of the law of maritime delimitation. Using analytical research methodologies, this thesis aims to assess to what extent the delimitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nm is unified with maritime delimitation within 200 nm. Part I discusses legal issues relating to overlapping entitlements to the continental shelf beyond 200 nm, which include, the evolution of the legal definition of the continental shelf, the establishment of the entitlement to the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles under Article 76 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, scenarios of overlapping entitlements, and competence of international courts and tribunals to delimit a continental shelf beyond 200 nm. Part II focuses on delimitation methodology. After setting out the conceptual framework, it considers questions of relevant coasts and relevant area, principles and circumstances, and it concludes with the trend towards a common approach to maritime delimitation within and beyond 200 nm.

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