Turkey extends Yavuz drillship Navtex in Cyprus EEZ

Turkey extended a Navtex for its ultra deepwater drillship Yavuz until October 12, currently floating northwest of Cyprus.

According to the Navtex issued by the Antalya station, the Yavuz will be continuing its drilling activities in an area within the Cyprus EEZ.

The Navtex:

TURNHOS N/W : 1156/20
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
1. DRILLING OPERATIONS, BY YAVUZ, ERTUGRUL BEY, OSMAN BEY AND ORHAN BEY EXTENDED UNTIL 122059Z OCT 20 IN CURRENT AREA BOUNDED BY;
34 06.13 N – 031 45.73 E
34 06.13 N – 031 57.80 E
33 56.18 N – 031 57.80 E
33 56.18 N – 031 45.73 E
WIDE BERTH REQUESTED.
2. ALL VESSELS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO ENTER TO THIS AREA.
3. CANCEL THIS MESSAGE 122059Z OCT 20.

Meanwhile, the pro-government news outlet Yeni Safak reported that Turkey’s Oruc Reis research vessel will be returning to the eastern Mediterranean in a month for seismic exploration.

According to Turkish officials, the Oruc Reis is docked at the Antalya port for maintenance, and as soon as the work is completed it will sail back to the eastern Mediterranean with a new Navtex.