Turkey initiates seafloor surveys for planned pipeline to northern Cyprus

Turkey has issued a new Navtex directive, effective from October 26 to December 31, 2026, authorizing four vessels—Denar Pathfinder, Denar Echo, Denar Explorer, and Kirici—to conduct scientific research and underwater surveys. These operations target 12 designated coordinates in the Mediterranean Sea to map the route for a proposed natural gas pipeline connecting Anamur, Turkey, to the Teknecik power plant near Kyrenia in the occupied territories of Cyprus. The project, estimated at $700 million, aims to enhance the energy security of the occupied north.

The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed on July 10, 2026, between Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities. Ankara views this as a vital step in integrating energy infrastructure, mirroring a previous underwater water pipeline project. In response to the Turkish notification, the Search and Rescue Center in Larnaca issued an anti-Navtex, citing the area as within the Republic of Cyprus' jurisdiction. While the Oruc Reis research vessel is not participating in this specific phase, the current surveys represent an acceleration of technical preparations to establish a permanent energy link between Turkey and the northern part of the island.