Turkey’s Oruc Reis back in East Med

Turkey’s Oruc Reis seismological research vessel will begin a new round of gas searches in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to the country’s media reports.

The vessel – which had taken centre stage during heated rows between Cyprus and Turkey over EEZ disputes – has undergone refurbishment and upgrades, according to reports carried by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

During many previous expeditions the vessel had been accompanied by Turkish navy ships, such as the Genghis Khan and Ataman.

The immediate path appears to be just south of Turkey, off the coast of Alanya – set to work between September and March.

Turkish media reports stated that the upgrades have given the vessel the capability to collect 20 years’ worth of data within just eight years.

Previous Navtex warnings issued by Turkey encroached into Cyprus’ EEZ, in one instance between Kyrenia to Turkey.

In turn, Cyprus then issued a counter Navtex – stating that the Turkish Navtex violates its sovereign rights.