Legal Issues for Artificial Floating Islands

Developments of multi-use floating islands are accelerated by an increase in offshore activities and pressing needs to create extra space coastal regions for the surging population. The Horizon 2020 EU funded research project Space@Sea developed a modular island concept applications examined current legal issues barriers concerning its development. In this paper is defined be “an artificially created floater, or set connected floaters, moored seabed which topside can used similar on land”. This aims delve into governance like assignment authority shift from regulating living working purposes purposes, as well maritime law property (using Netherlands case study). Within Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) state establish, locate, govern island. For high seas International Maritime Organization (IMO) most probable organization initiate discussion settlement islands. each activity island, limiting criteria regarding motions safety rules regulations need established. Industry housing will have completely different requirements not possible fit one size fits all regulation. study shows that Dutch prohibit division ownership buildings built objects. They only owned together object. urban expansion, future inhabitants want possibility buy property, requiring amendment law. It expected other countries additional challenges. has technical solution identified described paper. urges responsible institutions stakeholders take their roles overcoming these barriers.