On 18 May 2007, in Nairobi, the International Maritime Organization concludes the International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks — a uniform regime for hazardous wrecks in the exclusive economic zone.

The text gives coastal states authority to require or arrange removal of wrecks that threaten navigation or the environment, without implying a claim of sovereignty over international waters in the EEZ.

Shipowners bear the costs; compulsory insurance and direct action against the insurer are the financial pillars. The depositary is the IMO Secretary-General.

The Convention entered into force on 14 April 2015 after ratification by ten states. Party numbers later rose (over forty by the late 2010s).

The instrument complements the CLC/Fund and oil-pollution conventions, covering wrecks that block fairways or leak hazardous substances.

For African states and Indian Ocean routes, Nairobi 2007 meant a predictable framework where old wrecks had remained litigious.

The Nairobi Convention of 18 May 2007 remains the IMO standard for wreck removal in the EEZ.

Image: wreck / navigation; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks. Treaty text: Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (IMO, archive).