Strengthening the implementation of International Maritime Organization regulatory frameworks and the responsibilities of a landlocked state as the flag state: A case study of Mongolia

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides equal rights to landlocked states to engage in maritime activities, registering ships and becoming involved in international shipping. However, exercising these rights implies taking on equal responsibilities as coastal states, which introduces unique challenges for landlocked states. . The study will take a case study of Mongolia to evaluate the ability of landlocked states to meet their duty as flag states under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulatory frameworks. Based on domestic laws of Mongolia, Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) reports, and Port State Control reports, the study cites legal, institutional, and enforcement barriers to compliance with IMO conventions. The study indicates that the capabilities of Mongolia to exercise effective flag state control are limited by its maritime infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, and dependence on external service providers. Nonetheless, the case also proves that landlocked states can increase their efforts to be responsible maritime state with legal framework reforms, capacity-building efforts, and enhanced collaboration with international partners. The case of the reform of Mongolia highlights both the necessity of national transformation and the support mechanisms needed to make landlocked states equitable participants in world maritime governance.