International Law and Ocean Nuclear Power Plants in the Arctic

Abstract

This article addresses the international law of ocean nuclear power plants (ONPPs) with a particular focus on the Arctic. Encompassing norms under the law of the sea, maritime law, environmental law, nuclear energy law and humanitarian law, the article discusses how existing fundamental legal regulations apply to ONPPs in the Arctic. Additionally, the legal role of some relevant institutions, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Maritime Organization, and the Arctic Council, is considered. While the military nuclearisation of the Arctic has been the subject of much scholarly concern, the civil nuclearisation has not – at least not from an international law perspective. International law provides States with a considerable degree of freedom when it comes to the development and deployment of ONPPs, but there are several challenges and legal gaps, not least regarding special legal regulations for the Arctic.