Athens has moved swiftly to challenge a new Turkish maritime warning after a Turkish research vessel began operating southwest of Kastellorizo, in another escalation of tensions between Greece and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey’s hydrographic station in Antalya issued a NAVTEX covering an area for water column research by the R/V TÜBİTAK MARMARA. The research mission is scheduled to run from September 1 to 15.
Greece immediately responded with a counter NAVTEX, rejecting the Turkish navigation warning and questioning the authority of the Turkish station to issue instructions for the area.
The Hellenic Navy said the Turkish NAVTEX was issued by an unauthorized authority and stressed that the area falls within the Greek continental shelf. According to Athens, navigation instructions for the area can only be issued by the competent Greek hydrographic station in Heraklion, Crete.
A Hellenic Coast Guard vessel has reportedly moved into the area after the Turkish research ship departed Marmaris and is closely monitoring its movements. Greek naval units are also reported to be operating in the wider region.
Athens has made clear that the area is not part of a formally defined exclusive economic zone. Greek officials have also stressed that the Turkish vessel is conducting research in the water column rather than carrying out seabed surveys.
The immediate dispute therefore centers on Turkey’s decision to issue navigation instructions in an area Greece considers to fall under its jurisdiction.
The latest confrontation comes as Greek Turkish relations remain strained over a series of maritime disputes. Athens has strongly objected to Turkey’s declaration of maritime parks, arguing that Ankara’s actions raise questions under international law and the law of the sea.
Tensions are also continuing over Greece’s maritime spatial planning and the proposed Greece Cyprus Israel electricity interconnection, known as the GSI.
Just hours before the latest NAVTEX dispute, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis delivered a blunt message on the electricity project, saying Greece does not need and will not seek Turkey’s permission to proceed with the GSI.
The latest development around Kastellorizo highlights once again how quickly maritime activity in the Eastern Mediterranean can trigger a diplomatic and military response between Athens and Ankara.
