French research vessel arrives in Crete for Great Sea Interconnector surveys

The French research vessel Abeille Marengo arrived at the port of Heraklion on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to prepare for seabed surveys related to the Crete-Cyprus electricity interconnection. The ship departed from Naples, Italy, on October 23 and is expected to use Crete as its operational base. The project is managed by the Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) in partnership with the French firm Meridiam and contractor Nexans.

Work remains on hold pending the issuance of a NAVTEX maritime safety message, which is anticipated within the first ten days of November. Once issued, the survey is expected to resume near the boundary of the territorial waters of Kasos. The vessel is required to notify the Hellenic Navy’s Hydrographic Service, Submarine Command, and Naval Aviation Command at least 72 hours before commencing underwater operations.

These developments occur amidst heightened diplomatic sensitivity in the Eastern Mediterranean. While the project is intended to link the power grids of Greece and Cyprus, it has faced complications linked to broader regional maritime disputes, drawing scrutiny from international observers, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States. Future activities remain contingent on the formal release of the navigational warning.