ICPC – CIL Closed-Door Workshop: 'Prospects for Collaboration between Governments and Industry on the Laying, Repair and Protection of Submarine Cables'

On Friday 3 May 2024, the NUS Centre for International Law (CIL) and International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) organised a one-day closed-door workshop to discuss contemporary law and policy issues relating to the laying, repair and protection of submarine telecommunication cables. The ICPC and CIL are thankful to the supporting organisations:Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia. (The workshop was held immediately following the 2024 ICPC Plenary at the Orchard Hotel in Singapore).

Since 2014, the operating environment for submarine telecom cables has evolved considerably—but not always in a predictable or coherent manner, and not always consistent with the best practices of the cable industry and the applicable rules of international law. States are increasingly connected to and dependent on submarine cables, while the oceans are used more intensively by other marine industries, heightening the risks of cable damage, restrictions on cable laying and repair, and conflicts between competing uses of the oceans.

The cable industry and governments have a common interest in promoting legal frameworks and practices that foster resilient networks which provide continuous connectivity, and they share an interest in maintaining the security of submarine cables.

The CIL-ICPC Workshop, gathered representatives from governments, the cable industry, and academia to examine the issues to determine whether some of the contemporary issues related to the governance of submarine cables can be addressed through increased collaboration between the cable industry and governments.

After the workshop, a joint report by the ICPC and the CIL was published. The report addresses key law of the sea issues and prospects for collaboration between industry and governments on installation, repair, protection, and security of submarine cables.