UNCLOS and emerging challenges in marine environment protection: the dismantling of end-of-life ships

The ongoing debate in several international fora clearly demonstrates that ship-dismantling activities legal regime still need to be discussed and investigated in order to achieve a sustainable ship-dismantling industry that safeguards its employees and protects the environment, while recognizing the vital role this industry plays in the economy of certain countries. UNCLOS rules and principles must be the general framework for this debate that put to the test the Convention flexibility and its ability to face new issues in marine environment protection.