JONATHAN SHKURKO
Turkey’s drillship “Fatih”, currently located west of Paphos, was left without the specialised technical support necessary to conduct its operations, following the complete withdrawal of the last two international companies that had remained partly in support of its illegal activities.
According to Philelefteros sources, the last two specialized companies left on Friday, whereas other international companies decided to withdraw their support as soon as “Faith” started its illegal drilling operations.
The two companies had already recalled the majority of their staff from the operation, especially those who held European citizenship.
Following legal and diplomatic pressures from the Cypriot side, they replied that the equipment still currently on the ship will be removed gradually, as it is not easy to transport.
However, they both confirmed that they had left the drill rig completely and staff will no longer be working on the drillship.
As a result, “Fatih” will now mainly be operated by Turkish companies and personnel.
Last week, Turkey’s Energy Minister Fatih Dönmez said they are looking for drilling partners in China and Russia, both countries highly specialised in complex operations such as this one.
Cyprus had already black-listed the foreign companies who initially supported Turkey’s illegal operations. These companies will not be assigned any work in the 7-8 fields of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by oil companies ExxonMobil, Total and Eni.
They will also not be allowed to land in any port in Cyprus.
After the departure of the three main specialised companies contracted by drillships “Yavuz” and “Fatih” – Siem, Vroon and PACC Offshore (POSH) – Turkey’s drilling operations have significantly slowed down.
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