Off the coast of occupied Kyrenia, the Turkish research vessel Oruç Reis is conducting the new phase of surveys related to the planned natural gas pipeline between TTurkey and the occupied territories, with Ankara aiming to complete the engineering studies by 2026 and have the pipeline operational by 2028.
According to Yeni Şafak, as part of the NAVTEX issued for the period October 1–25, the Turkish research vessel is conducting operations in the maritime area between the southern coast of Turkey and the northern coast of Cyprus.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The surveys pertain to the planned Anamur–Tekneçik pipeline, which is intended to transport natural gas from Turkey to the occupied territories.
According to Turkish plans, the pipeline will start in Anamur, Mersin, and end in Tekneçik, east of occupied Kyrenia.
Its total length is estimated at approximately 101 kilometers, of which about 97 kilometers will be underwater and four on land.
The plan calls for the installation of two 22-inch-diameter pipelines.
According to the report, the mechanical and technical studies are expected to be completed by 2026, while the project is scheduled to begin operations in 2028.
In the first phase, the natural gas to be transported from Turkey is intended for electricity generation in the occupied territories. The Turkish side argues that this will reduce dependence on liquid fuels, diversify the energy mix, and lower the cost of electricity generation.
Of particular interest, however, is the project’s long-term planning. According to Yeni Şafak, the pipeline is to be constructed to allow for two-way natural gas flow. This means that initially, the gas will be transported from Turkey to the occupied territories, but at a later stage, it could theoretically be used in the opposite direction as well.
The Turkish newspaper reports that, should natural gas production begin in the future around Cyprus or more broadly in the Eastern Mediterranean, these volumes could be channeled through this network to Turkey.
Source: CNA
