In direct challenge to Greek competencies in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey proceeded, once again, to issue a counter-NAVTEX for a maritime area south of Kastellorizo.
Specifically, the Turkish side disputes the jurisdiction of the Heraklion Station, at a timing that coincides both with the scheduling of the multinational military exercise «EUNOMIA» and with the critical resumption of surveys for the electrical interconnection between Greece and Cyprus.
The trigger for the new confrontation was the NAVTEX issued by the Heraklion Station, reserving a maritime zone south of Kastellorizo for the conduct of the multinational live-fire exercise «EUNOMIA» on October 19.
The Turkish reaction was immediate, with the Antalya Station issuing its own NAVTEX, claiming that the specific area falls within its own area of responsibility. Ankara proceeded to re-issue the NAVTEX for the exercise using the exact same coordinates, attempting to enforce operational presence and create a grey zone around the jurisdiction of Athens.
It is worth noting that the research vessel «Abeille Marengo», flying the French flag, is scheduled to transit through the same area as soon as the formal procedures are completed and the corresponding NAVTEX for the underwater surveys of the Great Sea Interconnector is published.
The background regarding the French «Abeille Marengo»
Behind the Turkish nervousness lies the official activation of procedures for the resumption of laying operations for the submarine cable. On October 14, the French company NEXANS submitted a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the issuance of a NAVTEX, while at the same time an application for exemption was filed for the conduct of surveys by the vessel «Abeille Marengo».
According to a document from the Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters dated October 14, 2026, the request had originally been submitted on October 9 by the shipping agency «D. Patrikios Single-Member PC» on behalf of the Italian company Next Geosolutions Europe SpA, which is executing the preliminary seabed survey for the French company.
The planned operations cover the maritime expanse between Korakia of Heraklion and Cyprus. Their objective is the detailed mapping of the seabed, the study of its morphology, and the precise determination of the route for the 500 kV direct current underwater cables. The mobilization of this specific additional research vessel was deemed necessary due to the exceptionally high technical requirements, great depths, and the presence of steep slopes and underwater ridges along the route.
Extension of licenses until the end of 2026
The exploratory operations for the project had received initial approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June 2024, while by a decision in February 2026, the license was extended until December 31, 2026.
Within the framework of prescribed procedures, the Port Police Directorate requested the competent port authorities to check the availability of Greek-flagged vessels possessing the required technical specifications, setting a deadline of October 16 at 13:00. Following the completion of the verification and the granting of final approval, the French vessel is expected to begin operations within the scope of the valid permit.
For the safe conduct of operations, provision is made to notify the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service and the Submarine Command of the Hellenic Navy at least 72 hours prior to commencement, as well as the daily transmission of exact coordinates and safety measures, while the Greek side closely monitors the moves of Ankara on the ground.
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