ORUC REIS

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Ship returned from disputed waters

The 'Oruc Reis' returned to the port of Antalya on Nov 30 from Mediterranean waters, less than two weeks before a European Union summit possible sanctions against Ankara will be assessed.Turkey and Greece both claim for themselves the right to prospect for hydrocarbons in the waters of the eastern Mediterranean. Tensions erupted in August when Ankara chartered the 'Oruc Reis' to carry out a prospecting plan in the region. In October, before another EU summit, Turkey withdrew the ship from the waters claimed by Greece, but after the meeting - which Ankara deemed unsatisfactory - it was deployed again to continue the operation. Earlier this month, the Turkish government said the vessel would work in the region until Nov 29. Turkey's energy ministry announced on Nov 30 that the mission - which began on Aug 10 - had ended. The ship has collected 10,995 km of 2D seismic data.

Oruc Reis with deactivaded AIS off Kastellorizo

The 'Oruc Reis' was sailing 10 miles off the Greek island Kastellorizo on Oct 20. The vessel, which had its AIS transmitter off, was heading northeast and, assuming it continues its course at its current speed, it was expected to reach a point 12 nautical miles off Kastellorizo by noon. The offshore supply ships 'Ataman' and 'Cengiz Han', which were escorting the 'Oruc Reis', had their transmitters on. The 'Oruc Reis' has been conducting seismic surveys in the area. The navigational warning (Navtex) issued by Turkey on October 12 expires on Oct 22. On Oct 19, the Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said in an interview that the 'Oruc Reis' was making 2D seismic surveys” and estimated that it will complete its work in two months. If the ship finds an area with high expectations, Ankara will deploy a drilling ship.

Disputed ship again underway to Greek waters

The "Oruc Reis" started to another disputed mission on Oct 12 for gas explorations, which was due to last until Oct 20 south of the Greek island Kastelorizo. The ship sailed from Antalya with an escort. Greece critizised the voyage as illegale action which had to be terminated immediately.