Tensions rise over Great Sea Interconnector seabed surveys

On November 10, 2026, the French research vessel Abeille Marengo departed from Heraklion, Crete, to conduct seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, an electricity grid link between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. The mission began following authorizations and navigational warnings (NAVTEX) issued by the competent Greek and Cypriot authorities. Subsequently, Turkey issued its own NAVTEX claiming the vessel would operate within areas of the Turkish continental shelf and asserting it had granted consent for the research, which is scheduled to last until March 20, 2027.

In response, the Greek and Cypriot governments dismissed the Turkish NAVTEX as having no legal or practical consequence. Officials from both nations emphasized that permission for the surveys was sought only from them and that the vessel’s route was determined by their respective licenses. Consequently, Greece and Cyprus issued counter-NAVTEX notices, formally declaring the Turkish communication invalid and unauthorized. The Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Centre stated that the Larnaca centre is the only recognized authority for the region, rejecting any coordination with Turkey regarding the GSI project. This diplomatic friction reflects ongoing disputes over maritime jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean, though the vessel has commenced its operational tasks.