Great Sea Interconnector project resumes seabed surveys

The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, aimed at linking the electricity grids of Cyprus and Greece, has entered a new phase with the French-flagged vessel Abeille Marengo tasked to conduct essential seabed surveys. The vessel, operated under request by Nexans, will survey routes within Greek territorial waters to map the seabed, enabling the final path for the high-voltage direct current cable to be determined. Geotechnical samples at depths up to 700 meters are expected to be collected as part of these operations, which are scheduled to continue through the end of 2026.

Following the filing of an exemption request with the Greek authorities, the process is now awaiting the issuance of a Navtex maritime notice, expected by the end of October. Cyprus Energy Minister Michalis Damianos confirmed that this development triggers the Republic of Cyprus to release a payment of 25 million euros to the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE). While the project aims to end Cyprus's energy isolation and reduce electricity costs, officials indicate that completion is currently projected for late 2031. Separately, the ADMIE has also submitted an investment request for a future Cyprus-Israel link, which preliminary cost-benefit studies have deemed economically viable.