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Türkiye is planning a gas pipeline to northern Cyprus. Oruç Reis is conducting research.
The Turkish research vessel Oruç Reis is conducting work off the coast of northern Cyprus related to a planned gas pipeline from Turkey to Teknetik, east of Kyrenia. According to Turkish reports, engineering documentation is expected to be ready by the end of 2026, with the link scheduled to become operational in 2028.
The pipeline is planned to be approximately 101 kilometers long and will initially supply gas for electricity generation in the northern part of the island. The project also envisages flow in the opposite direction—in the future, the facility could be used to transport gas from the Eastern Mediterranean to Turkey. However, this is a premise of the Turkish plan, not a confirmed export scenario.
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Research between Turkey and Northern Cyprus
As reported by the Turkish newspaper Yeni Şafak, Oruç Reis is participating in the next phase of studies preparing the gas pipeline route. The work covers the area between the southern coast of Turkey and the northern coast of Cyprus.
A NAVTEX navigational notice has been issued for this area, valid from October 1 to 25. It informs maritime users of the planned work and the area where it will be carried out.
The vessel's presence is related to the preparation of the transmission infrastructure. The mere conduct of research does not imply the discovery of a gas deposit or the commencement of production.
From Anamur to Teknecik
The pipeline is planned to begin in Anamur, in the Turkish province of Mersin. On the Cypriot side, the connection will reach Teknetik, where a power plant supplying the northern part of the island is located.
Of the approximately 101 kilometers of the route, 97 kilometers will run under the sea, with the remaining four on land. According to information cited by Yeni Şafak, the project calls for two 22-inch (approximately 56 centimeters) diameter cables.
Assumptions of the Turkish project
Türkiye-Northern Cyprus gas pipeline
- Route: Anamur in Mersin – Teknetik province east of Kyrenia.
- Length: about 101 km, including 97 km under the sea.
- Destiny: initially gas supplies for electricity production.
- Engineering studies: planned completion in 2026.
- Activation: according to the Turkish schedule in 2028.
The dates and parameters provided refer to the planned investment. The pipeline is not yet operational.
Gas is to replace some liquid fuels
In the first stage, gas would flow from Turkey to Cyprus and be used primarily to generate electricity.
The Turkish side presents the investment as a way to reduce the northern part of the island's dependence on liquid fuels, diversify energy sources and reduce the costs of electricity production.
At this stage, these are the project's declared benefits. They do not determine future energy prices for consumers, which will depend on factors such as gas supply conditions and infrastructure costs.
Two-way flow
The long-term plan includes the possibility of reversing the flow direction. According to Yeni Şafak, if adequate gas supplies from Cyprus or other parts of the Eastern Mediterranean become available in the future, the gas could be delivered to Turkey via this connection.
The technical possibility of bidirectional flow, however, does not mean that such supplies have been agreed upon. The reports do not indicate specific deposits, producers, or concluded agreements regarding future exports.
The 2028 deadline remains the target for the Turkish schedule. The current phase of work focuses on project preparation, not on an operational gas connection.
Sources: CNA, Yeni Şafak, Hürriyet Daily News.
