Greece is preparing to resume maritime surveys for the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnector, with a new NAVTEX maritime notice expected to be issued over the weekend, potentially marking a significant step forward for the long-delayed project.
According to Greek newspaper Proto Thema, the move would allow survey operations to restart for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), an ambitious undersea electricity cable designed to connect the power grids of Greece and Cyprus.
Members of a special interministerial committee operating under Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were reportedly briefed on November 2 and asked to submit their recommendations by Friday, November 6.
Subject to a favourable decision, the Hellenic Coast Guard is expected to issue an exemption permit for the French-flagged research vessel Abeille Marengo, currently stationed at the port of Heraklion in Crete.
Members of the special interministerial committee have been briefed – French research vessel currently in Crete to set sail immediately for the survey area
The vessel would then be authorised to depart immediately for the designated survey area once the Ministry of National Defence facilitates the issuance of the official NAVTEX through the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service.
The development comes amid continuing geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey has previously challenged maritime activities associated with the project.
Ankara has maintained that it will protect what it considers its continental shelf rights, while Athens insists on exercising its sovereign rights in accordance with international law.
According to the report, arrangements have also been discussed with the French side regarding notification of the planned surveys.
The Great Sea Interconnector is considered a strategically important energy infrastructure project for Greece, Cyprus and the European Union.
Once completed, the project aims to end Cyprus’ energy isolation by connecting its electricity network to the European grid through Greece, while supporting greater energy security and the integration of renewable energy.
The anticipated resumption of surveys would represent an important development for the project, which has faced technical, financial and geopolitical challenges.
However, the issuance of the NAVTEX and the commencement of operations remain subject to the necessary government approvals.