CIL Ocean Law and Policy Co-Head Zhen Sun participated as a speaker in the Oil Spill Management Symposium: Building Knowledge, Bridging Stakeholders organised by the National Parks from 16-17 May 2026. She delivered a presentation on “International Legal Framework of Oil Spill Incidents at Sea”.

Her presentation examines the international legal framework governing oil spill incidents caused by ships and offshore activities. It first provides an overview of the jurisdictional framework established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It then focuses on the regulation of oil spills caused by shipping activities, as developed under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, covering pollution prevention, preparedness and response, as well as liability and compensation. It also draws on relevant regional instruments and mechanisms that implement the international legal framework in Southeast Asia. It then offers a comparative discussion of the legal framework governing oil spill incidents from offshore activities. It concludes by observing the significant legal gap in liability and compensation relating to oil spill incidents caused by offshore activities.

The Symposium was opened by Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of National Development & Ministry of Trade and Industry. Mr. Tan highlighted Singapore government’s efforts and commitments to maintain the safe and secure shipping routes through the Singapore Straits, and to promote the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity. The two-day Symposium was well attended by both local and international stakeholders relating to oil spill management. It also featured two hands-on workshops on oil spill response filed demonstration and stakeholder engagement.