Türkiye deploys ‘R/V Bilim 2’ vessel in response to Greek claims in Aegean

While operating near Athens last week, the Italian research vessel “R/V Ievoli Relume” trespassed into Turkish continental shelf waters without permission.

It was intercepted by Turkish warships and brought back to Greek waters. As a result, Türkiye sent its scientific vessel, named “R/V Bilim 2,” to the region. Currently, the ship is conducting research approximately 7 nautical miles away from Marmaris, within the boundaries of Türkiye’s continental shelf but beyond its territorial waters.

Ankara refutes Greek claims

Ankara’s action poses a challenge to Greece’s assertions, resulting in Athens backing down when faced with Turkish naval forces. Türkiye is conducting research within the area that Greece refers to as its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), specifically in close proximity to Meis Island, just beyond the 6-mile boundary.

Turan Oguz, a defense analyst, emphasized that the conflict originated from Greece’s declaration of the Aegean Sea as a “Marine Park.” Oguz further asserted that Türkiye has refuted Greece’s alleged Sevilla map and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) claims by utilizing the Mediterranean Research-1 vessel.

Oguz further observed that Türkiye is asserting its international entitlements, while Greece’s discontent arises from the absence of backing from its allies, namely the U.S., the E.U., and Israel, who stand to gain from the energy corridor in question.