On September 23, the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs under the Department of State published the United States’ Commitment to Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific Fact sheet, announcing new U.S. funding for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. The Fact sheet hardly refers to UNCLOS or
Dr Leon Moller, expert in maritime law, examines the legal issues arising from the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate.
Background
When two foreign-registered ships crashed in UK waters causing the loss of a life, extensive damage to both ships and the spillage of aviation fuel into the North Sea, several questions relating to responsibility and liability aspects were raised. The collision between the Solong (container ship) and the Stena Immaculate (oil tanker) took place on 10 March 2025 close to the Humber Estuary, along the east coast of England. The Solong is registered in Portugal and the Stena is registered in the US. The captain of the Solong was arrested and charged with negligence and manslaughter.

