French research vessel Abeille Marengo sets sail for GSI cable survey

On November 10, 2026, the French research vessel Abeille Marengo departed from the port of Heraklion, Crete, to initiate seabed surveys for the Greece-Cyprus electric interconnection, known as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI). The mission, commissioned on behalf of Nexans, is aimed at mapping the seafloor along the proposed subsea cable route located south of Kasos and Karpathos.

Great Sea Interconnector S.A. and the Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) confirmed that the vessel will perform equipment calibration tests for approximately 24 hours in territorial waters before moving to the designated survey area. The operation will strictly follow the guidelines established in the NAVTEX messages issued by the relevant Greek and Cypriot authorities.

This development follows the suspension of similar surveys in the summer of 2024 due to regional tensions. Diplomatic efforts, reportedly including a "French formula" to manage the sensitive maritime situation, have preceded this departure. While no official reaction has been issued by the Turkish government thus far, the international community remains attentive to potential interference in the project, as the area remains a focal point for geopolitical friction in the Eastern Mediterranean.