The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the electricity link between Greece and Cyprus, appears to be heading toward a restart after two key moves by French company Nexans, which is manufacturing the cable. Nexans has asked the relevant directorate of the Greek Foreign Ministry for approval to begin marine surveys. It has also applied to the Hellenic Coast Guard to deploy the French-flagged vessel Abeille Marengo for survey work “for the installation of submarine direct-current cables, as part of the Crete–Cyprus interconnection.”
As first reported by ot.gr, the first request is already being reviewed by the Committee for Granting Marine Research Permits. This state body licenses Greek and foreign research vessels to operate in Greek territorial waters and in areas under Greek jurisdiction. A decision is expected in about 15 days. Approval would also clear the way for the required NAVTEX notice to be issued.
The second application was filed by Next Geosolutions, a Naples-based geophysical survey firm that Nexans has contracted for the work. The company will carry out a preliminary subsea survey, including oceanographic and bathymetric operations, between the waters off Korakia in the Heraklion region of Crete and the waters off Cyprus. The Coast Guard has already approved the Abeille Marengo’s operations, with a completion deadline of December 31, 2026.
The European project has gained clear momentum since France became involved, and it has the backing of both the United States and Israel. Further developments are expected from early November. Asked when work would resume, Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said the project is moving forward and that the coming weeks will be decisive.
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“This is a complex project that ends Cyprus’s energy isolation and is tied to broader planning for the Eastern Mediterranean,” the minister said. “Meridiam’s entry confirms the project’s viability.”
The application also addresses speculation that the survey plans have been altered. It states that the process is otherwise unchanged with respect to the survey route for the planned laying and routing of the cable.