Great Sea Interconnector resumes marine surveys using vessel Abeille Marengo

The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, linking Greece and Cyprus, has moved toward resuming critical seabed surveys. Nexans, the cable manufacturer, has submitted an application to Greek authorities for the use of the French-flagged research vessel Abeille Marengo. This specialized ship will employ multi-beam echo sounders, side-scan sonar, and magnetometers to record seabed conditions and facilitate the optimal cable route between Crete and Cyprus. Operations are currently restricted to Greek territorial waters to avoid contested areas east of Kasos.

The administrative process involves a review by the Greek Interministerial Committee for Marine Research Permits, followed by a recommendation to Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis for final approval. Once cleared, the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service will issue a NAVTEX notice to authorize the start of work. These surveys, expected to commence in the third ten-day period of October and continue through the end of 2026, are essential for securing the financial and technical feasibility of the project. Separately, ADMIE has officially submitted investment requests to regulators in both Cyprus and Israel to further the second phase of the interconnector, supported by positive cost-benefit analyses and a new partnership with the Meridiam investment group.