The Predominant Interest Concept and Maritime Delimitation

Exploring how international jurisprudence has catalysed the development of maritime delimitation law, this accessible book explores the ‘predominant interest’ concept and analyses global case studies, as well as landmark legal proceedings. Nicholas A. Ioannides provides a comprehensive overview of the delimitation process, identifying the criteria used to determine how maritime areas are delimited.

The book highlights how international courts and tribunals in delimitation cases have mainly relied on geographical factors, disregarding non-geographical elements, although they are at the core of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone concepts. Ultimately, Ioannides suggests that non-geographical factors should be taken into account in maritime delimitation in aggregation under the cloak of 'predominant interest' in order to reach an equitable result. Highlighting how predictability should be safeguarded, and equitability should be enhanced, Ioannides outlines the importance of, among others, fishing, security, defence and navigation interests for individual states arguing for control over maritime zones.

Discussing an array of case studies, this is a useful toolkit for international law academics and students, as well as judges ruling on maritime delimitation cases. It will also be an essential guide for state government personnel involved in delimitation disputes.