Turkey extending the seismic survey work in a disputed part of the eastern Mediterranean

Ankara, November 24 - Neftegaz.RU. Turkey has issued another navigational telex, or Navtex, for the area in the Eastern Mediterranean where it will conduct seismic research activities will be completed on November 29, after collecting another 2,806 km of data.

A Navtex is a maritime communications system that allows ships to inform other vessels about their presence in an area as well as other information.

The Turkish seismic survey vessel Oruc Reis has so far collected a total of 8,149 km seismic data in the Mediterranean Sea. The ministry said in a tweet that Oruc Reis, which began its operation on Aug. 10, has been carrying out its activities as part of the "Demre 2B Seismic Data Collection Project."

Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus.

Turkey and Greece are in a dispute over claims to hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean area and the extent of their continental shelves.

On 13 October, the United States had said it "deplores" Turkey's decision to renew geological survey activity in the disputed area. In a statement, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus called the move a "calculated provocation" set to inflame tensions within Nato.