Challenges for operationalizing autonomous Enterprise: what to overcome?

The Implementing Agreement 1994 of Part XI UNCLOS 1982 governs that the Enterprise only be established independently if one of two requirements is fulfilled. The start of commercial deep seabed mining is imminent, as seven explorations contracts will have expired by the end of 2021 and the exploitation mining code has been rushed to completion within the next two years under Nauru’s request. The start of commercial deep seabed mining would signal the operation of an independent Enterprise. However, several issues remained to be answered regarding the operation of Enterprise to ensure its efficient operations. This article seeks to identify the challenges the Enterprise will have to overcome. This article is aimed to provide insights to the stakeholders to take appropriate measures. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.