Turkey will increase its controversial drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean when Turkish Petroleum AO (TPAO) launches a second drillship in July.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez said at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner that retrofit of the Yavuz drillship, formerly the Deepsea Metro I, is nearly complete, according to the Daily Sabah newspaper.
He said the ship’s twin vessel Fatih will drill the Finike-1 as planned in an area claimed by Cyprus. The first well drilled by the Fatih was in uncontested Turkish water (OGJ Online, Oct. 30, 2018).
Movement of the ship to the Finike location drew criticism from the US Department of State.
“The United States is deeply concerned by Turkey’s announced intentions to begin offshore drilling operations in an area claimed by the Republic of Cyprus as its Exclusive Economic Zone,” the department said. “This step is highly provocative and risks raising tensions in the region. We urge Turkish authorities to halt these operations and encourage all parties to act with restraint.”