Turkey issues new NAVTEX regarding East to Med Data Corridor research

On October 20, 2026, Turkey issued NAVTEX 1032/26, authorizing geophysical surveys for the East to Med Data Corridor (EMC) subsea cable in the Eastern Mediterranean. The survey vessel S/V Kobi Ruegg commenced operations on October 21, following two designated routes. Ankara asserts that these activities occur within its continental shelf, relying on coordinates submitted to the United Nations on March 18, 2020, via document A/74/757. The directive mandates a 10-nautical-mile research zone width and requires passing vessels to maintain a 5-nautical-mile distance from the research ship.

The development has caused diplomatic tension, as Greece responded with counter-NAVTEX notices, including HA61-1337/26 and HA67-1343/26, asserting that the survey areas overlap with the Greek continental shelf. Turkey subsequently dismissed the Greek claims as unfounded, insisting that the Antalya station holds sole jurisdiction in the region and that its survey authorization remains valid.

This incident follows broader territorial disagreements in the Eastern Mediterranean. Uncertainty persists regarding whether the vessel owner sought or received Turkish permission for the specific transit paths, and tensions remain elevated as both nations monitor the presence of research vessels in overlapping maritime zones.