Turkey to send fourth O&G exploration vessel offshore Cyprus

After deploying two drillships and a seismic vessel in Cyprus-claimed waters, Turkey is now sending the fourth vessel.

Turkish minister for energy and natural resources Fatih Donmez tweeted on the 16^th July that the Oruc Reis seismic vessel would join the TPAO vessel trio in the Eastern Mediterranean soon.

Turkey currently has two drilling ships, the Fatih and the Yavuz, deployed to the west and to the east of Cyprus, respectively.

In addition, the Turkish oil company’s seismic ship Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa is conducting seismic operations to the south of Cyprus.

Cyprus and the EU have labelled Turkish actions illegal and provocative, with Turkey responding that its activities are legitimate as the licences for TPAO’s exploration were granted by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a self-declared state on the north-eastern portion of Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey.

Turkey has also said it is protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriot, accusing the Cyprus government of only taking care of the Greek Cypriots.

In the wake of Turkish actions, the EU decided earlier this week to impose sanctions, cutting Turkey’s pre-accession funding, putting high-level diplomatic talks to a halt, and rescinding an air transportation deal.

Turkey has scoffed at the sanctions calling the EU “biased,” and adding that the sanctions won’t stop it from exploring for hydrocarbons offshore Cyprus.

Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on the 16^th July that Turkey would deploy the Oruc Reis seismic vessel to the eastern Mediterranean.

The ship is managed by Turkey’s General Directorate Of Mineral Research And Explorations and is currently operating in the Sea of Marmara.

Source: Offshore Energy Today