With a NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) notice Ankara announced that its research vessel Piri Reis will conduct scientific surveys in parts of the Aegean Sea starting today, Monday September 15th and for the next ten days.
While the Piri Reis may conduct such research, the move immediately raises the issue of jurisdiction over the issuance of NAVTEX notices, since the vessel’s planned route passes through sections of the Aegean that lie within the territorial waters of Greek islands and, crucially, over the Greek continental shelf.
According to NAVTEX 0863/25, issued by the Izmir station of Turkey’s Office of Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography, the ship’s track will take it west of Lesvos, then south of Chios, and onward to the islet of Kalogeros, located in open waters between Chios and Andros.
Athens quickly responded with its own NAVTEX (154/25, issued by the Limnos station), challenging Ankara’s notice.
