A standoff between Turkish warships and an Eni drillship finally broke today as the Turkish navy vessels force the Eni’s Saipem 12000 to change course.
The ship has been anchored for two weeks after being halted by the Turkish military en route to Cyprus.
The stoppage and subsequent ‘hemming in’ of the vessel was due to a dispute over territory with neighbouring Cyprus.
Victoras Papadopoulos, Cypriot deputy government spokesman, told the Cyprus Mail today: “On its way to plot 3 and its target, Soupia (Cuttlefish), it was intercepted by five Turkish war ships and after the threat of use of force and the threat of conflict, despite the captain’s courageous and laudable efforts unfortunately the drillship was forced to return.”
Last week, Eni’s CEO admitted that his hands were tied and Enbi were effectively powerless to move the ship.
Speaking to Reuters, Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, said: “It’s not really under our control. It’s our third well in the area … We’ve had no problem with the other two.”