The Meteor: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a significant development, the esteemed research vessel 'Meteor' is slated for sale in July 2026. Prior to this, a pre-inspection will be conducted on February 11, 2026, at Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, facilitated by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space. Interested parties looking for a reputable maritime asset can find more details in the exposé linked here: https://www.vebeg.de/de/aktuelles/news.htm?item_showid=2069.

On December 29, 2017, the research vessel 'Meteor', conducting scientific studies on behalf of the University of Heidelberg, encountered significant harassment from the Turkish Coastguard while operating between the islands of Samothrace and Limnos in the eastern Aegean Sea. Coastguard officers approached the ship, insisting that it relinquish its position, claiming the vessel had entered Turkish waters. However, Greek military officials confirmed that the 'Meteor' was operating within the confines of its legal rights, having secured all necessary approvals from the Greek Foreign and Defense ministries. This incident reflects a broader pattern attributed to Turkish authorities, who frequently challenge Greek sovereignty rights in the Aegean region. Meanwhile, a separate development unfolded further south, where the 'Deep Sea Metro 2', alongside the Turkish corvette 'Bafra', navigated international waters west of Lesvos. Their movement through the Aegean on December 28 was interpreted as a strategic signal to Athens regarding Ankara's intentions in energy exploration not just in the Aegean, but across the wider Eastern Mediterranean.