Security Council High-Level Open Debate “The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain”
Statement delivered by Ms. Kaisa Männik, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Estonia
New York, 27 April 2026
President,
We thank Bahrain for bringing this critical issue before the Security Council, and the briefers for their valuable insights.
Estonia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following in its national capacity.
Freedom at sea is not freedom from law – it is freedom anchored in law. Freedom of navigation can no longer be taken for granted. Estonia is acutely aware of these threats – not only in our Baltic Sea region, but globally. This issue demands increased focus, particularly from the Security Council. To defend international peace and security, we must ensure a united response.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the cornerstone of international maritime law. Today’s challenges – including the shadow fleet and threats to critical underwater infrastructure – call for responsible interpretation and enforcement. Where accountability weakens, substandard ships thrive, environmental and security risks rise, and our shared maritime space becomes more vulnerable.
First, the shadow fleet. In our maritime area, these vessels predominantly transport Russian goods, routinely evading the environmental and minimum safety standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This practice poses clear risks to maritime safety and the marine environment, while also eroding trust in the rules-based order. When a vessel belongs to “no one”, accountability quietly slips overboard.
Second, critical underwater infrastructure – submarine cables and pipelines – forms the nervous system of our modern world. Recent damage to the undersea cables in the Estonian and Finnish waters underscores the urgency of stronger surveillance and protection.
Third, blocking the Strait of Hormuz carries severe consequences for the global economy. Free and safe navigation must be upheld, in line with international law. Estonia was proud to be among the historic 135 co-sponsors of Security Council resolution 2817. It is therefore deeply regrettable that the Security Council was subsequently unable to fulfil its Charter-mandated role and adopt a follow-on resolution on safeguarding international shipping in the Strait.
President,
The answer lies in what we already have. UNCLOS gives us the tools. We must use them fully and apply the Convention as it was intended: a living, dynamic foundation for peace, security and cooperation at sea.
Thank you.