"Offshore constructions rise in numbers and importance. They promise high economic and scientific benefits, but they also increase risks of accidents and environmental damage. The incident of the offshore oil rig “Deepwater Horizon” in the Gulf of Mexico poignantly illustrates the limits of the existing legal framework that is fragmented along the lines of different geographical areas, different sectors of activities, and, notably, different fields of law. No international treaty specifically deals which the issue and academic research has shown little attention in spite of the multiplication of offshore constructions.The proposed research project intends to fill this gap and wishes to contribute to better ocean governance. More specifically, it aims at clarifying the international legal framework that regulates the life of offshore constructions in order to provide useful legal tools to both private investors and policy makers.The research will start with an analysis of multilateral treaties that do already contain obligations in the fields of environmental protection as well as maritime safety and security. Against this background, it then studies the practice of states both at the regional and bilateral level, placing particular emphasis on the role of the EU and the practice of EU member states.With the Marie Curie Programme, the candidate could carry out her research project at the Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea (NILOS) at Utrecht University, one of the very best institutions in her field. The research project would train the candidate and consolidate the development of her academic career in a profound and lasting fashion. Her level of skills and expertise could now be expanded further at NILOS. The candidate would advance towards a senior academic position within 2-5 years upon completing the proposed project."