Türkiye criticizes Greek Cyprus drilling plans in disputed Eastern Mediterranean waters
An aerial view of the Abdulhamid Han drilling ship, part of the Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) fleet, as it passes through the Bosphorus on its way to a new mission in the Black Sea, Istanbul, Türkiye, on Aug. 2, 2024. (AA Photo)
The Greek Cypriot Administration, in partnership with U.S.-based Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum, has announced plans to begin drilling operations in a disputed area of the Eastern Mediterranean, drawing criticism from Turkish officials and experts.
The drilling, set to take place in Block 5 of the area claimed by the Greek Cyprus as its exclusive economic zone, an area partially overlapping with Türkiye’s continental shelf.
The project, involving the drillship VALARIS DS-9, is scheduled to operate in the region from January 19 to June 19, 2025.
Tensions rise over Eastern Mediterranean resources
The Greek Cypriot Administration recently issued a NAVTEX (navigational telex) for Block 5, designating the “Electra” region for drilling.
Speaking to Türkiye Daily, Retired Rear Admiral Cihat Yayci, a prominent voice on maritime issues, expressed concerns about the implications of the drilling.
“The entirety of Block 5 includes rights belonging to the Turkish people. Even if drilling occurs just outside Türkiye’s continental shelf, it risks depleting resources from below,” Yayci said. “This silence from Türkiye is not a good sign.”
Call for Turkish Naval presence
Yayci stressed the importance of Türkiye’s immediate action to counter what he described as provocative steps in the region. “Türkiye must not allow this drilling. The Turkish Navy should assert its presence in the area, as it did in 2018, when we prevented similar actions.”
He also suggested that Türkiye either initiate its own drilling operations or support Turkish Cyprus by providing a drilling or seismic research vessel to conduct activities under the Turkish Cyprus flag.
Historical disputes over maritime rights
The Eastern Mediterranean has long been a hotspot of contention, with disputes between Türkiye and Greece, as well as the Greek Cypriot Administration, over maritime boundaries and resource exploration, extraction.
Türkiye argues that unilateral claims by the Greek Cypriots disregard the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and infringe upon its own continental shelf.
In 2018, Turkish naval intervention halted drilling activities by the Saipem 12000 vessel, citing violations of its maritime jurisdiction.
‘Greek Cypriots rely on US and Qatar partnership’
The Greek Cypriot Administration has emphasized its partnership with international allies, declaring, “The U.S. fully supports our actions.”
The involvement of Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum signals significant international investment in the contested waters.
