Argentina’s government announced Tuesday that it had filed a request for provisional measures with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, aiming to halt British-authorized hydrocarbon activity near the Falkland Islands.
The filing seeks to prevent the United Kingdom from exploiting hydrocarbon resources on the continental shelf of the Northern Falklands Basin, the government stated.
The action aims to preserve Argentina’s sovereign rights over its continental shelf and prevent activities authorized unilaterally and without legal basis by the United Kingdom.
Tensions have escalated between Argentina and the UK over the territory governed by Britain but claimed by the South American nation. Last month, President Javier Milei’s government introduced legislation targeting companies engaged in offshore oil drilling near the Falkland Islands.
The proposed measure would increase penalties for companies and individuals involved in natural resource activities in the Falklands and Argentina’s maritime zones without authorization. The bill, pending congressional approval, aims to overhaul the 2011 legal framework with stricter provisions.
Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration, owners of the Sea Lion offshore project north of the Falklands, have stated they do not anticipate Argentina’s actions will impede development.
The British government reiterated its firm stance against the move, defending the right of Falkland Islanders to self-determination.
(Reporting by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; Editing by Lucinda Elliott)
