The M/V “Norstar” Case (Panama v. Italy): Clarifying Freedom of Navigation and Exclusive Flag State Jurisdiction

The M/V Norstar (Panama v. Italy) case, which was decided by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on April 10, 2019, deals with the interpretation and application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically concerning the principle of freedom of navigation in the high seas. This case analysis explores the doctrinal importance of the ruling, particularly in providing clarity on the scope of freedom of navigation and the principle of exclusive flag state jurisdiction.