The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea delivered its judgment today in The M/V “Virginia G” Case (Panama/Guinea-Bissau). The judgment was read by President Shunji Yanai at a public sitting.
The dispute concerns the M/V Virginia G, an oil tanker flying the flag of Panama, arrested on 21 August 2009 by the authorities of Guinea-Bissau for carrying out refuelling operations for foreign vessels fishing in Guinea-Bissau’s exclusive economic zone. The vessel and the gas oil on board were confiscated on 27 August 2009. Subsequently, the vessel was released by decision of the authorities of Guinea-Bissau, which was notified to the ship-owner on 6 October 2010. Proceedings were instituted before the Tribunal on 4 July 2011 through the notification of a special agreement concluded between the Parties. The hearing in the case was held from 2 to 6 September 2013. The judgment is here.
De Maribus 