Greece is preparing to issue a maritime navigation warning, known as NAVTEX, as early as Friday, November 6, or over the weekend, clearing the way for the resumption of seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the long-delayed electricity cable linking Crete and Cyprus.
The French-flagged survey vessel Abeille Marengo, currently docked in Heraklion, Crete, is expected to depart once the necessary authorizations are completed and the NAVTEX takes effect.
The development represents a potentially decisive step for the €1.9 billion project, which has faced repeated delays because of financial disagreements and tensions between Greece and Turkey over maritime jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean.
French vessel awaits authorization as Athens completes preparations
A special interministerial committee responsible for authorizing marine research activities was briefed on November 2 and was expected to submit its recommendations by Friday. Following approval, the Hellenic Coast Guard would issue the necessary authorization for the French vessel, allowing the Hellenic Navy’s Hydrographic Service to publish the NAVTEX specifying the research area and duration.
The vessel is expected to begin operations initially within Greek territorial waters before proceeding with further seabed surveys. The exact schedule and geographical scope will become clear only after the navigational notice is issued.
Reuters reported in October that French cable manufacturer Nexans had formally requested permission to resume seabed research, following prolonged delays caused partly by Turkey’s objections.
The interconnector, being developed by Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), is intended to connect Cyprus to the European electricity grid for the first time, with a possible future extension to Israel. The European Union has committed approximately €658 million in funding to the project, which Brussels considers strategically important for energy security, renewable energy integration and ending Cyprus’ electricity isolation.
Turkey’s response remains uncertain after 2024 naval confrontation
The resumption of surveys will also test the diplomatic understandings reached between Athens, Paris and Ankara following the confrontation near Kasos in July 2024, when Turkish warships challenged survey operations conducted by an Italian vessel.
According to Turkish newspaper Hürriyet Daily News, Ankara maintains that parts of the proposed cable route cross maritime areas it considers part of its continental shelf. Turkish authorities insist that research activities in those areas require prior coordination and consent.
Greece rejects that interpretation and maintains that it does not need Turkish authorization to exercise its sovereign rights.
Recent diplomatic contacts between France and Turkey have focused on a possible arrangement under which Ankara would be informed about the surveys without being asked for permission.
Greek diplomatic sources expect Turkey to raise objections, potentially through radio communications or a competing NAVTEX, but consider direct interference with the survey vessel less likely.
The United States has also expressed support for the project. During recent diplomatic contacts, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Washington was prepared to help address obstacles to its implementation.
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