Challenges of Nord Stream: Streamlining International Legal Frameworks and Regimes for Submarine Pipelines

lobal energy security, including its most important aspect i.e. international trade in energy products, is increasingly dependent upon transportation of oil and gas through pipelines that traverse inter-State boundaries, so-called cross- border or transboundary pipelines. Transportation, including transit, is fundamental in securing an unimpeded access of the oil and gas resources of the petroleum producing countries to international markets. In terms of technology and possible environmental impacts, pipelines have proved to be a relatively secure, safe and reliable form of transportation. They are also regarded generally as the most economical means for the inland transportation of oil and, notwithstanding the recent emergence and constant growth of international trade in liquefied natural gas, the best practical option in terms of large-volume transportation of gas. At present, energy transport infrastructures have become an integral part of virtually every national economy, and in many cases stretch beyond national boundaries.