Turkey has issued a NAVTEX valid until August 30, reserving an area of the eastern Mediterranean for seismic surveys, as part of plans to build a 101-kilometre gas pipeline connecting Turkey to the occupied north.
According to Turkish media, the planned pipeline is intended to supply gas to the occupied north, with the possibility that it could later be used to transport gas from the eastern Mediterranean to Turkey and on to the European market.
The NAVTEX authorises the seismic survey vessel Oruç Reis to carry out surveys along the pipeline’s planned route until the end of August.
The work follows a memorandum of understanding signed on July 10 between Turkey and the “TRNC,” under which preparations began for the construction of the undersea pipeline.
Turkish media described the Turkey–”TRNC” gas pipeline project as aimed at strengthening the energy security of the occupied north by replacing the liquid fuels used in electricity generation with natural gas, while also laying the groundwork for a corridor that could eventually carry gas from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe via Turkey.
Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, said the system will consist of a 101-kilometre transmission line, made up of 97 kilometres of undersea pipeline and four kilometres onshore, connecting Anamur on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast with Teknecik, east of Kyrenia.