Turkey has issued a new NAVTEX announcing the deployment of the research vessel Oruc Reis to waters stretching from Antalya and Mersin to areas south of Cyprus’s Turkish-occupied territories.
The NAVTEX 0953/26, issued by the Antalya Hydrographic Station, will remain in effect until October 25, according to a report by Sigmalive.com.
The surveys are part of Turkey’s plans to construct a subsea natural gas pipeline connecting Turkey with the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.
The Oruc Reis will not operate alone. According to the report, the research vessel will be accompanied during the maritime operations by three support vessels: Denar Pathfinder, Denar Echo and Kirici.
Turkey plans 101-kilometer gas pipeline
The Turkish activity is linked to plans for a natural gas pipeline that, according to information cited in the report, will be approximately 101 kilometers long and connect Turkey with the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.
The planned pipeline follows an agreement signed on July 10 between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot administration, under which preparations for construction of the subsea pipeline would begin, according to Turkish media reports.
The new NAVTEX therefore covers the maritime area in which the Oruc Reis is scheduled to conduct surveys as preparations for the planned project continue.
