Argentina asks maritime tribunal to halt UK-authorized oil and gas activity near Falklands

Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina’s government announced on Tuesday that it had asked the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to issue provisional measures halting hydrocarbon activity authorized by Britain near the Falkland Islands.

Request to protect continental shelf rights

In a statement, the government said its application sought to stop the United Kingdom from exploiting hydrocarbon resources on the continental shelf in the Northern Falklands Basin.

The government said the filing was intended to safeguard Argentina’s sovereign rights over its continental shelf and prevent activities that it described as having been authorized unilaterally and illegally by the United Kingdom.

Britain controls the islands, which Argentina claims. Tensions between the two countries over the territory have intensified.

Bill would strengthen penalties

Last month, the government of President Javier Milei introduced legislation targeting companies drilling for oil off the islands.

The proposal would increase penalties for companies and individuals involved in activities related to natural resources in the Falklands and in Argentina’s maritime areas without permission from Argentine authorities.

Congress has not yet approved the bill, which would overhaul legislation dating from 2011 by introducing a stricter framework.

Companies and Britain respond

Navitas Petroleum NVPTp.TA and Rockhopper Exploration, the oil companies that own the offshore Sea Lion project to the north of the Falklands, have previously said they do not expect Argentina’s actions to disrupt development.

The British government said it would remain firm against any threats and has upheld the Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination.