GSI: NAVTEX dispute escalates over electricity cable as France’s position comes under scrutiny
The planned resumption of survey operations for the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnection project, known as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), on Monday, 9 November, is emerging as a critical test following the issuance of Greek and Cypriot NAVTEX notices and an immediate response from Turkey, which is demanding prior authorisation for activities in maritime areas it claims.
According to a report by Kathimerini, Ankara continues to maintain its longstanding position regarding the continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean, despite behind-the-scenes diplomatic contacts with Paris.
The French vessel Abeille Marengo is expected to depart from Heraklion on Monday to resume survey operations for the electricity interconnection project.
Greek NAVTEX prompts immediate Turkish response
The Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service issued NAVTEX 1411/26 through the Heraklion station, outlining the survey vessel’s route from Crete towards the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey responded with counter-NAVTEX 1105/26, issued through the Antalya station, claiming that part of the survey area falls within the Turkish continental shelf, as unilaterally notified to the United Nations on 18 March 2020.
Ankara maintains that it has not granted consent for the planned activities and has described the Greek notice as unauthorised.
The Turkish counter-NAVTEX remains valid until 6 March 2027, the same expiry date as the corresponding Greek notice.
Behind-the-scenes diplomatic contacts with France
Diplomatic discussions between France and Turkey have attracted particular attention.
According to Kathimerini, the latest communication between the two sides took place around midday on Friday, just hours before the Greek NAVTEX was issued.
Despite these contacts, no understanding appears to have been reached that would satisfy Ankara.
Greek sources familiar with the matter stressed that Athens had not discussed any arrangement with Paris involving the acquisition of Turkish authorisation.
Instead, Greece reportedly made clear that any communication between France and Turkey should not be interpreted as a procedure for obtaining permission from Ankara.
According to the same information, the French side is reportedly frustrated by the publicity surrounding the issue, as the electricity interconnection project has acquired a significant political dimension in relations between Athens and Ankara.
Cyprus issues NAVTEX as foreign ministers coordinate
The Republic of Cyprus is also involved in the planning of the survey operations.
Cyprus issued NAVTEX 345/26 through the Larnaca station, covering the Cypriot section of the planned route.
According to the report, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos held a telephone conversation to coordinate their respective actions.
The Greek NAVTEX came into effect on 6 November, while the Cypriot notice is scheduled to become active on 19 November.
The 13-day interval corresponds to the estimated time required for the vessel to complete survey operations along the Greek section of the route.
Critical passage east of Crete
The next significant development is expected when the Abeille Marengo passes east of Cape Sidero, at the northeastern tip of Crete.
At that point, it may become clearer whether Turkey intends to limit its response to diplomatic objections and maritime notices or attempt to obstruct the survey operations.
Turkish sources cited by Kathimerini suggest that, even if the surveys proceed without disruption, Ankara may deploy one of its own vessels to monitor the activities.
Athens, meanwhile, has indicated that operations will proceed without further delays, based on the authorisations and maritime notices already issued.
Key test for the Great Sea Interconnector
The resumption of survey operations represents an important test not only for the GSI project’s timetable but also for the ability of Greece, Cyprus and France to manage Turkish objections in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The coming days are expected to be particularly significant as the French vessel advances along the planned route and the parties involved assess developments at sea.
Source: Kathimerini
