Calm has ended in the Aegean, as Ankara issued a new Navtex, announcing that the oceanographic ship Piri Reis will conduct scientific research for ten days in maritime areas of the archipelago.

According to the relevant announcement, the research program concerns the maritime zone west of Lesvos, south of Chios, and up to the islet of Kalogeros, located between Chios and Andros.

Although the Piri Reis has the technical capability to carry out such measurements, the problem lies in who has the authority to issue a NAVTEX, since its planned route passes through Greek territorial waters and covers parts of the Greek continental shelf.

Additionally, concern is raised by the fact that the vessel is scheduled to move near the islet of Kalogeros, an area that is included almost year-round in a permanent firing range of the Hellenic Armed Forces.

Athens immediately responded with a counter-NAVTEX (154/25 from the Lemnos Station), rejecting the Turkish claims. In the coming period, the course of the Turkish oceanographic vessel will become clear, and it will be closely monitored by Greek authorities.

Ankara’s move comes at a time when the energy situation in the Eastern Mediterranean is back in the spotlight, following Chevron’s official proposal for research in maritime areas south of Crete and discussions on the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnection.