Michael Tsimplis comments on legal responsibility for damage to underwater infrastructure

In an interview with BBC News Chinese, Professor Michael (Mikis) Tsimplis explained the legal framework governing liability for damage to underwater infrastructure, with reference to the NewNew Polar Bear and Eagle S cases. He discussed the powers of the coastal and the  flag-state in instituting criminal proceedings for such damage and  the challenges posed by existing international legal regimes in addressing such incidents. He further discussed how proceedings against the Chinese master of the NewNew Polar Bear, who allegedly damaged underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, have been brought in Hong Kong.  

Please click here to read the full article on BBC News Chinese.

HKU Law Welcomes Prof. Michael Tsimplis

Welcome to Prof. Michael Tsimplis, who joins the Faculty of Law as a Professor.

Professor Michael (Mikis) Tsimplis has been with the Faculty of Law since July 2026. Before joining HKU Mikis worked for CityU (2018-2026). Before 2018 Mikis worked in various academic and leadership positions for the University of Southampton and before that for the UK Natural Environment Research Council. He has taught various courses, including Admiralty Law, Admiralty Enforcement, Charterparties, Bills of Lading, Energy and Environment Law, Law of International Sales, Legal Concepts, Insurance Law, Private International Law, Commercial Contracts, Legal Concepts Law of the Marine Environment in academic and professional courses around the world. Mikis undertakes research in marine, maritime, commercial, and environmental law as well as keeping an interest in oceanography and environmental science. He has led and contributed to various international and interdisciplinary projects and has published mainly in law, oceanography and sea level rise, with extensive interdisciplinary collaborations. He has been involved in the quality assessment and accreditation of university departments and the evaluation of research proposals for national and international bodies.