Greece is preparing to resume seabed surveys for the long-delayed electricity interconnector linking Greece and Cyprus, with a new navigation warning expected to clear the way for operations in the coming days.
Athens expects to issue a Navtex notice by Monday, allowing the French-flagged research vessel Abeille Marengo to restart seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI).
Technical discussions have reportedly been completed, leaving the navigation warning as the main outstanding requirement before the vessel can proceed.
Read more: Greece and Turkey Trade NAVTEX Over Cable Survey Off Crete
The ship is expected to begin work over the weekend, initially operating within Greek territorial waters.
The planned restart comes after years of delays and diplomatic tensions surrounding the electricity connection, which is designed to link the power grids of Greece and Cyprus and eventually strengthen electricity links with Israel.
Greece prepares final authorisation
The Greek government has extended France’s authorisation for the research operations through the end of 2027.
However, a further recommendation from the committee responsible for marine research permits is still pending, although approval is expected.
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is expected to authorise the measure before the Hellenic Navy’s Hydrographic Service issues the Navtex.
The navigation notice will formally communicate the areas and timing of the planned maritime activities.
Turkey’s response remains a key consideration
The resumption of surveys is expected to draw a reaction from Turkey, which has previously challenged activities connected with the electricity interconnector in the eastern Mediterranean.
Athens is not currently anticipating that Ankara will physically obstruct the latest operations, although the diplomatic implications remain significant.
Turkey is due to host the COP31 United Nations climate summit in Antalya from November 9 to 20, adding another diplomatic consideration to the timing of the planned surveys.
France’s diplomatic role is also under scrutiny, particularly regarding how Ankara will be formally notified of the renewed operations.
French Ambassador to Turkey Isabelle Dumont met Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay on Thursday, November 5, amid the preparations.
A strategic electricity link delayed for years
The Great Sea Interconnector is designed to connect the electricity networks of Greece and Cyprus through a subsea cable, with a planned extension towards Israel.
The project is considered strategically important for reducing Cyprus’s energy isolation, improving electricity security and strengthening regional energy connections in the eastern Mediterranean.
However, implementation has been repeatedly delayed, with tensions between Greece and Turkey emerging as a major obstacle.
The project was significantly disrupted in 2024 after maritime disagreements surrounding the seabed surveys.
The planned resumption of operations would represent an important step towards restarting the project, although the latest authorisation does not guarantee that construction will proceed without further delays or diplomatic challenges.
Source: Kathimerini
