Egypt Says Turkish Seismic Survey Plans Could Encroach on Its Waters

Aidan Lewis
Monday, August 3, 2020

Egypt said on Saturday that part of a seismic survey planned by Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean potentially encroached on waters where Cairo claims exclusive rights.

An advisory issued last month by Turkey for the survey overlaps with Egypt's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), constituting "a violation and an attack on Egypt's sovereign rights", the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement.

It did not give details but said the potential encroachment came under point eight of Turkey's advisory.

Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbons exploration.

The announcement of the survey escalated tensions between Turkey on one side and Greece and Cyprus on the other, amid conflicting claims to offshore hydrocarbon resources. Turkey has since indicated it could pause exploration operations pending talks.

Egypt is a regional rival of Turkey and has close relations with Greece and Cyprus. 

(Reporting by Aidan Lewis and Alaa Swilam Editing by Paul Simao)

Categories: Energy Vessels Geoscience Industry News Activity Regulations Seismic Egypt Mediterranean

Related Stories

Ocean Charger for Offshore Wind Vessels Proves a Success

Allseas Makes Progress on Santos’ Barossa Gas Export Pipeline in Australia

Sulmara on Offshore Survey Job at Bayou Bend CCS Scheme in Texas

Current News

New York Not Moving Forward With Three Offshore Wind Farms

DNV Awards Certificates for Fortescue’s Dual-fueled Ammonia-powered Vessel

Energy Storage on O&G Platforms - A Safety Boost, too?

Türkiye Aims to Drill for Oil Off Somali Coast Next Year

Subscribe for OE Digital E‑News