The Nautilus: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On February 2, 2026, the vessel 'Nautilus' found itself under detention in Istanbul after inspectors identified a total of 12 deficiencies onboard. Among these, two critical issues raised serious alarms and warranted the detention: inadequate fire safety measures, specifically concerning fire doors and openings in fire-resistant divisions, and non-compliance in pollution prevention protocols related to the oil discharge monitoring and control system. Following its inspection and necessary rectifications, the 'Nautilus' was released on February 9 and subsequently set sail towards Piraeus. Stay informed on maritime safety updates as we follow the journey of the 'Nautilus' and its compliance improvements.

The research vessel 'Nautical Geo' has returned to Block 1 of Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on October 22, following a prior incident involving harassment from Turkish naval forces. The vessel is scheduled to conduct survey operations within the EEZ from October 22 until midnight on October 23. This mission is part of the EastMed pipeline project, which is sponsored by the EU and involves the participation of Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Israel. Despite warnings from Turkey that it would not permit the Nautical Geo to continue its work near Cyprus or Crete, claiming infringement on its rights, the research vessel has proceeded with its plans.

The 'Nautical Geo,' a prominent research vessel, has encountered renewed harassment from Turkish warships since its entry into Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) during the night of September 26. The vessel is engaged in exploratory activities aimed at determining the potential maritime route for the EastMed pipeline, a project backed by Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Reports indicate that Turkish ships approached alarmingly close to the 'Nautical Geo,' coming within a mere 0.5 miles, raising serious concerns about safety and regional tensions.

In a notable maritime encounter, the research vessel 'Nautical Geo' found itself in a non-physical confrontation with the Turkish frigate 'Orucreis' within disputed waters. The incident unfolded as the 'Nautical Geo' sought to navigate into areas that Turkey claims as part of its territorial jurisdiction. The Turkish defense ministry reported that the frigate issued a stern communication to the research ship, cautioning it against crossing into the Turkish continental shelf. This tense encounter comes a year after a spike in tensions in the eastern Mediterranean region, which had previously teetered on the brink of open conflict between Turkey and Greece, both of whom are NATO allies. The 'Nautical Geo', which docked at Heraklion port on September 22, 2021, had been operating off the eastern coast of Crete. This particular stretch of water is viewed by Turkey as part of its maritime territory, a stance bolstered by a controversial maritime agreement with Libya. In anticipation of this operation, Athens had issued a Navtex warning, indicating the planned activities of the 'Nautical Geo'.