ISA Responds to ITLOS Seabed Disputes Chamber Provisional Measures Orders

ISA HQ in Jamaica.
ISA HQ in Jamaica. (Image Credit: ISA)

The Authority has taken careful note of the provisional measures orders made by the Seabed Disputes Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on July 18, 2026 in the claims brought by Nauru Ocean Resources Inc and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd.

As acknowledged by the Seabed Disputes Chamber, the provisional measures orders in no way prejudice the Chamber’s jurisdiction to deal with the merits of the claims, or any questions relating to the merits of the claims themselves.

The Authority will continue to carry out its mandate, and abide by its obligations, pursuant to Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1994 Implementing Agreement. In particular, the inquiry process mandated by paragraphs 9 and 10 of the Decision of the Council dated July 21, 2025 (ISBA/30/C/19) remains in effect and will be implemented by the Authority with due regard to all applicable legal requirements.