Report: Turkish warships stop Eni’s drillship off Cyprus

February 12, 2018

Turkish warships on Friday reportedly blocked an Eni-operated drillship from moving into an area offshore Cyprus.

According to the Associated Press, which cited an Eni spokesperson, the Turkish authorities stopped the drillship on the grounds of the expected military operation at the destination. The drillship in question is reportedly the Saipem 12000.

The news came just a day after Eni had announced a promising gas discovery at the Calypso well, located in the Block 6, offshore Cyprus.

Turkey and the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have criticized what they claim to be “unilateral hydrocarbon-related activities” by the Cypriot government.

On Sunday, Turkish foreign ministry issued a statement saying: “Despite all our warnings, the Greek Cypriot Administration continues its unilateral hydrocarbon-related activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. It does so in disregard of the inalienable rights on natural resources of the Turkish Cypriot people, who are the co-owners of the Island.”

“Within this context, we have most recently observed that there is an intention to commence activities in block number three in the Greek Cypriot Administration’s so-called exclusive economic zone,” the Turkish foreign ministry said.

The ministry did not comment on the reports that Turkish warships have prevented movement of the Eni-run drilling rig. However, it warned that “the sole responsibility for any situation that could arise as a consequence falls on the Greek Cypriot side.”

Offshore Energy Today has reached out to Eni, seeking more info on the matter. We will update the article if we get a response.