Greece issued a maritime navigation warning, known as NAVTEX, on Friday, November 6, clearing the way for the resumption of seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the long-delayed electricity cable project linking Crete and Cyprus.
The French-flagged survey vessel Abeille Marengo is expected to begin seabed surveys over the weekend.
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 cleared to begin seabed surveys following NAVTEX issuance
Greek authorities have completed all required authorization procedures for seabed surveys and cable-laying operations under the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, according to a Foreign Ministry announcement on Friday, November 6.
Following a positive recommendation from the interministerial committee responsible for authorizing marine research, the Greek foreign minister issued the necessary permit on November 6. The French survey vessel subsequently requested the required maritime navigation warning (NAVTEX), which was issued immediately.
The vessel is expected to begin operations over the weekend, initially within Greek territorial waters before proceeding with further seabed surveys.
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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