Executive Summary

The UN High Seas Treaty, which entered into force on January 17, 2026, represents a significant shift in ocean governance with direct implications for Singapore as a maritime nation and regional hub. This case study examines the multifaceted impact on Singapore’s regulatory frameworks, maritime operations, scientific research capabilities, and strategic positioning in ocean governance.

What the Treaty Does

The High Seas Treaty protects marine life across two-thirds of the ocean—the high seas that lie beyond any country’s jurisdiction. These areas, covering nearly half of Earth’s surface, have long suffered from illegal fishing, pollution, and wildlife trafficking. The treaty regulates activities like seabed exploration, marine research, and collection of genetic materials from marine organisms.

Singapore’s Implementation

Singapore is among over 80 nations that have ratified the treaty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the country is reviewing its laws and regulatory frameworks to meet treaty obligations. Key areas under review include:

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Activities in the high seas that may impact the environment will require thorough EIAs. For example, if a company wants to harvest marine sponges for pharmaceutical compounds, they’ll need to demonstrate their activities won’t harm ecosystems. Currently, Singapore’s EIA processes aren’t fully codified in law, and not all reports are publicly available.

Maritime and Shipping: Singapore’s vessels may face new restrictions when operating in protected marine areas. Experts note that 10-15 portions of the high seas are being considered for protection, which could involve restrictions on ballasting water and designated areas to avoid.

Coordination with Existing Bodies: The treaty must work alongside existing frameworks like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Seabed Authority.

Singapore’s Strengths

Singapore is well-positioned to contribute through research and capacity-building. The country recently hosted a major deep-sea expedition to Monsoon Rise in the Indian Ocean, involving scientists from Indonesia, Fiji, Thailand, and Vietnam. This collaborative approach aligns with the treaty’s emphasis on helping developing nations participate in ocean research.

The treaty will have annual summits (similar to climate COPs), with the first scheduled for this year to finalize implementation details.

Background

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty, establishes the first comprehensive legal framework for protecting marine biodiversity in international waters. The high seas—covering nearly half of Earth’s surface and two-thirds of the ocean—have historically operated as what experts call “the world’s largest crime scene,” plagued by illegal fishing, pollution, and wildlife trafficking.

Singapore, represented by Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee who presided over the treaty negotiations, is among over 80 nations that have ratified this landmark agreement.

Regulatory and Legal Impacts

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Framework Reform

Singapore faces significant reforms to its EIA processes to align with treaty obligations. Currently, Singapore’s EIA framework operates without full codification in law, and public access to reports varies, particularly for matters involving national security where non-disclosure agreements are required.

Under the treaty, Singapore must conduct EIAs for any activities in the high seas that may impact the environment, including intensive marine research and infrastructure projects. Additionally, if Singapore-based activities within national jurisdiction could harm the high seas, EIAs are also required.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that government agencies are reviewing processes to identify “potential levers to govern such activities.” Key changes likely include:

• Establishing standardized EIA protocols for Singapore-registered companies operating in international waters
• Creating public disclosure mechanisms aligned with the treaty’s open-access platform requirements
• Developing guidelines for when activities trigger EIA requirements
• Setting up feedback mechanisms for affected states and indigenous groups

Professor Peter Ng, former scientific adviser to Singapore’s BBNJ delegation, illustrates the practical application with marine bioprospecting: “Before you start harvesting certain amounts of this organism, you have to do an EIA, explain why you need to extract, and show that your activities will not mess up the ecosystem.”

Jurisdictional Complexity

Singapore must navigate the challenge of regulating Singapore-registered companies and scientists conducting research in the high seas. This raises questions about enforcement mechanisms, compliance monitoring, and coordination with other nations that may have different EIA protocols.

The need for a designated national body to oversee high seas activities has been identified as critical for streamlining administrative processes, particularly given the treaty requirement to publicly share scientific discoveries and genetic materials.

Maritime and Shipping Sector Impact

As one of the world’s busiest ports and a major maritime hub, Singapore’s shipping industry faces operational adjustments due to the treaty’s provisions for marine protected areas (MPAs).

Protected Area Restrictions

Marine policy analyst Youna Lyons notes that 10 to 15 portions of the high seas are under consideration for protection. These MPAs may impose restrictions on:

• Ballast water discharge
• Designated avoidance areas
• Anti-pollution measures beyond current standards
• Transit routes and operational procedures

Singapore-flagged vessels operating in international waters will need to comply with these new restrictions, potentially affecting routing, operational costs, and scheduling.

Coordination with International Bodies

The treaty explicitly states it should not undermine existing frameworks like the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Dr. Tara Davenport emphasizes that while countries may propose stringent rules for MPAs, the treaty’s decision-making body must respect the competences of existing regulatory bodies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has committed to working closely with the IMO to ensure that marine protected areas “address both the needs of international shipping and the protection of the marine environment.” This balancing act will be crucial for Singapore given its dependence on maritime trade.

Scientific Research and Innovation

Research Opportunities

The treaty positions Singapore to leverage its scientific capabilities in deep-sea research. The October 2025 joint expedition with OceanX to Monsoon Rise demonstrates Singapore’s capacity to lead significant research initiatives. The 24-day mission mapped over 8,300 square kilometers of seafloor and included scientists from Indonesia, Fiji, Thailand, and Vietnam.

This expedition, supported by a $6 million grant from the National Research Foundation, exemplifies how Singapore can fulfill the treaty’s capacity-building requirements while advancing its own scientific knowledge base.

Bioprospecting Regulations

Singapore-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies engaging in marine bioprospecting will face new regulatory requirements. The collection of marine organisms for genetic material used in drug development or industrial applications will require:

• Comprehensive EIAs demonstrating minimal ecosystem disruption
• Transparent disclosure of research purposes and commercial intentions
• Public sharing of scientific discoveries and genetic materials
• Compliance with benefit-sharing provisions

Professor Ng notes that authorities must establish frameworks ensuring thorough EIAs for activities like harvesting marine sponges containing medicinal compounds for commercialization.

Strategic Positioning and Regional Leadership

Capacity Building Role

Singapore’s strengths align well with the treaty’s emphasis on helping developing nations participate in ocean research and conservation. The Republic can leverage its:

• Advanced marine research infrastructure
• Scientific expertise and institutional knowledge
• Convening power for regional collaboration
• Track record in multilateral diplomacy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated Singapore will “actively contribute—including via in-kind cooperation and capacity-building efforts and collaborative research.”

Regional Hub Status

Singapore’s location and maritime infrastructure position it as a natural coordination point for Southeast Asian implementation of the treaty. The country can serve as:

• A training center for regional EIA expertise
• A platform for scientific collaboration and data sharing
• A model for balancing economic interests with conservation
• A bridge between developed and developing nations in treaty implementation

Diplomatic Influence

Ambassador Rena Lee’s role in presiding over treaty negotiations gives Singapore credibility and influence in ongoing implementation discussions. Singapore’s participation in annual BBNJ Conference of the Parties summits will allow it to shape how the treaty evolves and ensure its interests are represented.

Economic Implications

Compliance Costs

Singapore-registered companies and research institutions will face increased costs related to:

• EIA preparation and submission
• Enhanced monitoring and reporting requirements
• Legal and regulatory compliance expertise
• Potential operational restrictions in protected areas

Competitive Considerations

Early adoption of robust compliance frameworks could position Singapore-based entities as preferred partners for international marine research collaborations and commercial ventures, potentially offsetting compliance costs with enhanced reputation and access to opportunities.

Maritime Trade Considerations

While marine development within Singapore’s territorial waters (such as reclamation projects) is unlikely to trigger treaty requirements due to distance from the high seas, Singapore’s role as a maritime hub means indirect impacts through global shipping regulations could affect port operations and logistics.

Implementation Challenges

Institutional Coordination

Singapore must coordinate across multiple government agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, maritime authorities, environmental agencies, and research institutions. Identifying a lead agency or creating a coordinating body will be essential for effective implementation.

Balancing Competing Interests

Singapore must balance its economic interests as a maritime and trading nation with its environmental commitments under the treaty. This includes:

• Ensuring shipping efficiency while respecting marine protected areas
• Promoting commercial bioprospecting while protecting ecosystems
• Maintaining competitive advantage while sharing scientific knowledge
• Upholding confidentiality for commercial activities while meeting transparency requirements

Technical Capacity

Developing expertise in deep-sea ecology, impact assessment methodologies, and international environmental law will require investment in training and institutional development.

Timeline and Next Steps

The first BBNJ Conference of the Parties is scheduled for 2026, where implementation details will be finalized. Singapore’s immediate priorities include:

1. Completing the review of laws and regulatory frameworks
2. Establishing EIA guidelines and standards
3. Identifying the national coordinating body for high seas activities
4. Developing capacity-building programs for regional partners
5. Engaging with the IMO and other relevant international bodies
6. Preparing for active participation in BBNJ COP negotiations

Conclusion

The UN High Seas Treaty presents Singapore with both challenges and opportunities. While regulatory adjustments and compliance costs are inevitable, the treaty also positions Singapore to demonstrate regional leadership in ocean governance, advance its scientific capabilities, and contribute meaningfully to global marine conservation efforts.

Singapore’s pragmatic approach—conducting thorough legal reviews while maintaining active diplomatic engagement—reflects its recognition that effective implementation requires balancing economic interests with environmental responsibilities. As Professor Ng observes, “If you’re studying global events like climate change, ocean currents and how they affect food resources and weather, you can’t take an insular view. You can’t just study Singapore waters and be happy with it.”

The success of Singapore’s implementation will depend on its ability to develop robust regulatory frameworks, coordinate effectively across government agencies, engage productively with international partners, and leverage its strengths in science and diplomacy to shape the treaty’s evolution in ways that serve both national interests and global conservation goals.