Great Sea Interconnector project advances with upcoming seabed surveys

The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) electricity link between Greece, Cyprus and Israel is entering a new phase of development, with marine surveys scheduled to take place between October 23 and 26. Greece is expected to issue the necessary maritime safety information (NAVTEX) to authorize the movement of the French-flagged research vessel Abeille Marengo, which will conduct seabed analysis required for the installation of high-voltage submarine cables. This step will trigger the disbursement of a 25-million-euro installment from the Republic of Cyprus toward the project costs.

Energy Minister Michalis Damianos confirmed that the government will pay 25 million euros annually through 2029, totaling 125 million euros, and explicitly stated that these payments will not place an immediate financial burden on electricity consumers. Currently, a dispute remains between the project developer ADMIE and the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (RAEK) regarding the recognition of expenses; while ADMIE has requested recognition of 302 million euros, only 82 million euros have been approved so far. Concurrently, the European Investment Bank is conducting a study on updated project data. Turkey has signaled opposition to these activities, citing its own maritime claims, and has previously issued anti-NAVTEX notices regarding other regional infrastructure projects.