The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the planned electricity link between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, is moving closer to the resumption of seabed surveys, with Greece expected to issue a NAVTEX between 23 and 26 October.
Relevant permits for the marine surveys have been granted, according to information reported by the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK).
The NAVTEX is also expected to trigger the process for disbursing the €25 million that the Republic of Cyprus must contribute to the project.
Energy Minister Michalis Damianos reiterated to RIK that the payment would not place an additional burden on electricity consumers.
French vessel to conduct seabed surveys
According to a report by Greek outlet Oikonomikos Tachydromos, preliminary seabed surveys are expected to be carried out by the French-flagged vessel Abeille Marengo, which is specially equipped for marine research.
The vessel, registered under IMO number 9388613, is intended to conduct surveys related to the installation of high-voltage direct-current submarine cables for the Crete-Cyprus electricity interconnection.
French cable manufacturer Nexans, which has undertaken the construction of the cable, assigned the relevant work to specialist company Next Geosolutions Europe SpA.
The surveys will include oceanographic, geophysical and bathymetric work along the planned marine route from the Korakia area of Heraklion, Crete, to Cyprus. The findings will help prepare for the cable’s installation.
According to the same report, the Hellenic Coast Guard has approved the surveys until 31 December 2026.
Nexans had also submitted an application to the relevant Greek committee for permits to conduct marine surveys in international waters. The latest information reported by RIK indicates that the necessary approvals have now been granted, paving the way for the NAVTEX.
France strengthens its role in the project
France has an increasingly prominent role in the project, both operationally and financially.
According to Oikonomikos Tachydromos, French multinational investment group Meridiam acquired majority control of the project following an agreement signed in the summer of 2026. Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) is also involved.
Meridiam’s reported investment role, Nexans’ responsibility for manufacturing the cable and the planned use of a French-flagged survey vessel underline France’s growing involvement in the electricity interconnection.
The project, which is estimated to cost more than €2 billion, is considered strategically important for the European Union. It aims to connect the electricity systems of Cyprus and Greece, with the prospect of extending the link to Israel.
Turkish objections and US support
The planned resumption of surveys comes amid continuing geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey has raised objections to activities associated with the electricity interconnection.
According to Oikonomikos Tachydromos, Ankara has demanded notification regarding surveys that are due to take place before the cable is laid.
The United States, meanwhile, has expressed support for energy interconnection projects that strengthen regional energy security.
During his recent visit to Athens, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke positively about electricity interconnections that enhance energy security, responding to a question about the GSI.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that the project has a European dimension and is of particular interest to France. He also reiterated that Greece would not compromise its sovereign rights.
“There is a framework within which the cable can and must proceed without making any concessions on our sovereign rights,” Mitsotakis said.
23–26 October window seen as critical
Attention is now focused on the period between 23 and 26 October, when Greece is expected to issue the NAVTEX, according to information reported by RIK.
Its publication would mark a key operational step towards the marine surveys and is directly linked to the process for releasing Cyprus’ €25 million contribution.
Despite progress in securing the necessary permits, the project’s next major test will be whether the surveys can proceed at sea amid previous Turkish objections and the interconnection’s growing geopolitical significance.
Also read: Turkey’s plan for Cyprus and Greece revealed
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