Turkey issues Navtex for Oruc Reis operations amid Mediterranean tensions

On October 1, 2026, Turkey issued Navtex 0953/26, announcing the deployment of the research vessel Oruc Reis in the Eastern Mediterranean. Accompanied by the support ships Denar Pathfinder, Denar Echo, and Kirici, the vessel is scheduled to conduct surveys in an area stretching between Antalya, Mersin, and south of the occupied territories until October 25 or 26. Official reports state the activity is linked to plans for a natural gas pipeline connecting Turkey to the occupied northern part of Cyprus.

Simultaneously, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense reaffirmed its opposition to the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) electricity project. Ankara claims that any cable or pipeline installation within its declared continental shelf requires prior coordination and authorization. In response, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos accused Turkey of blocking the 1.9 billion euro GSI project, while the Greek government explicitly rejected the necessity of Turkish approval for the project, stating it will proceed as planned. Diplomatic sources from Athens condemned the Navtex as an illegal, unilateral action that violates Cyprus's sovereignty and regional stability.