International legal regulation of arrest and detention of vessels: an analysis of modern practice

https://www.doi.org/10.32523/2791-0954-2025-13-2-19-30

Abstract

The article is devoted to topical issues of international maritime law related to the legal grounds and procedures for the arrest and detention of ships in the current geopolitical situation. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the key international conventions UNCLOS of 1982, the Convention on the Arrest of Ships of 1999, the Convention on Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking of 1988, which provide legal regulation, as well as the balance between the need to ensure maritime safety and the protection of the rights of shipowners and crew members. The importance of the topic is due to the increasing number of cases of detention of ships, using the example of the incidents with the Baltic Summer and KIWALA, which demonstrate gaps in legal regulation and problems of applying international law in the context of sanctions pressure and political tension. The article highlights the importance of upholding the principles of the rule of law, international cooperation, and procedural safeguards to ensure the sustainable development of maritime trade and the protection of human rights.