Risking Turkish response, Cyprus to continue surveys in EEZ

Research vessel Nautical Geo that was carrying out survey operations in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone a few weeks ago when it was sent away by Turkish navy vessels is expected to resume operations on Thursday.

According to a Navtex issued by the Republic of Cyprus, the Nautical Geo will be executing survey operations with the country’s EEZ between Thursday and midnight Saturday.

The Navtex advises all vessels in the area to keep a clear distance of 1.5 nautical miles from the Nautical Geo due to restricted manoeuvrability.

Earlier in the month, Turkish navy vessels sent away the Nautical Geo, that flies the Maltese flag and was carrying out surveys in Cyprus’ EEZ for the EastMed pipeline project, under the excuse it was violating Turkey’s continental shelf. The vessel had remained anchored off the Larnaca port since then.

Turkey had warned it would not allow the Nautical Geo to resume its operations off Cyprus but also off Crete, citing violation of its rights.

Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday that Turkey’s violations in the region also impact the EU’s interests and goals and of its member states, as they also aim to block any prospects for the Eastern Mediterranean to develop as an alternative energy option for the bloc.