COMRA signs a second contract extension for exploration for polymetallic nodules

On 27 February 2023, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA) signed a five-year contract extension for the exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. This contract extension was signed during a ceremony held in Kingston, Jamaica, in the presence of the Vice-Minister of Natural Resources (Administrator of Oceanic Administration) of China, Mr. Hong Wang and the Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to ISA, H.E. Mr. Daojiang Chen.

Ifremer signs a second contract extension for the exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone

On 27 February 2023, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Institut français de recherche pour l’exploitation de la mer (Ifremer) signed a five-year contract extension for exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. This is a second five-year extension of the exploration contract initially granted and signed by ISA and Ifremer on 20 June 2001.

ISA delegation concludes visit to India with strengthened collaboration in support of the sustainable development of the blue economy in India and in the Indian Ocean region

A delegation of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) headed by the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, concluded a 17-day state visit to India Friday, 17 February. Reflecting on the successful outcomes of his visit, the ISA Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, expressed his admiration at the rapid pace of development of science and technology in India and the commitment shown towards the mandate and the work of ISA.

New strategic partnership between the ISA Secretariat and the Gujarat National Law University of India established

Ahmedabad, 14 February 2023 – The Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, and the Director of the Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Prof (Dr.) Sanjeevi Shanthakumar, signed a letter of cooperation in Ahmedabad, India. The signing ceremony took place today during an international conference convened by GNLU to discuss multidimensional approaches and challenges of seabed mining.

New strategic partnership between the ISA Secretariat and the Research and Information System for Developing Countries to strengthen the knowledge, capacity of developing countries and women’s empowerment in deep-sea activities and the protection of the marine environment formalized

New Delhi, 31 January 2023 – The Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge and the Director General of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi, signed a letter of cooperation during a ceremony held at the Office of RIS in New Delhi yesterday. The letter of cooperation formalizes a new strategic partnership to facilitate joint activities between the two organizations. These will be implemented at the national, regional and international level to support the priorities of interested developing States to foster their blue economy and contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda.

The ISA Secretariat and the National Maritime Foundation of India sign a letter of cooperation in support of joint activities for the development of a sustainable blue economy

New Delhi, 30 January 2023 – The Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge and the Director General of the National Maritime Foundation of India (NMF), Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, signed a letter of cooperation during a ceremony held at the Office of the Indian Navy in New Delhi today. The letter of cooperation formalizes a new strategic partnership aimed at promoting inclusive policy dialogue among stakeholders on deep-sea-related matters and contributing to expanding scientific knowledge of the world’s oceans towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and opportunities the blue economy offers, including the global transition to green energy.