Cyprus and Greece issue Navtex for East to Med Corridor cable project

Cyprus and Greece have issued separate maritime navigation notices (Navtex) regarding geophysical surveys for the East to Med Corridor (EMC) fiber optic cable system. The vessel 'KOBI RUEGG' is tasked with conducting these undersea surveys to facilitate the data corridor, which links Asia to Europe via Saudi Arabia and Greece. The Cypriot authorities issued a notice covering the period from November 2 to November 15, 2026, within their Exclusive Economic Zone. Greece subsequently issued a separate Navtex for surveys in the southeastern Cretan Sea, spanning from November 7 to November 11.

Following the Cypriot announcement, Ankara issued a counter-Navtex, challenging the jurisdiction of the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone. Turkey claims the area falls within its own continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean and stated that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, labeling the project's legitimacy efforts as invalid. This development highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region regarding maritime boundaries and energy or infrastructure project rights.