Ankara, Turkey. The Turkish government on Wednesday issued a navtex notice stating that seismic surveys will begin for the planned natural gas pipeline between Turkey and Cyprus. The research vessel Oruc Reis is scheduled to conduct surveys along the proposed route until August 30.
Pipeline plans
A memorandum of understanding on the pipeline’s construction was signed by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities on July 10.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz described the agreement as a historic turning point in energy-sector cooperation between the two sides. Turkish Cypriot leader Unal Ustel said the project was intended for future generations and would support a stronger, more sustainable and more competitive country.
Political statements
Ustel said the agreement sent a strong message to the eastern Mediterranean, adding that Turkish Cypriots would continue to build their future with the support of Turkey.
Technical details
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the pipeline will run from Anamur in Turkey’s Mersin province to the Teknecik power station outside Kyrenia.
The project is to consist of two parallel pipelines, each 56 centimetres in diameter, allowing gas to be transported in both directions between Turkey and Cyprus. The pipelines will have a total length of 101 kilometres, including 97 kilometres beneath the Levantine Sea.
Anamur lies between Mersin and Alanya, which are currently being connected by a natural gas pipeline. Turkish Cypriot transport minister Erhan Arikli said the proposed pipeline to Cyprus is expected to become operational by 2028.
