French research vessel conducts seabed surveys for Great Sea Interconnector
The French research vessel Abeille Marengo has completed its initial phase of seabed surveys southeast of Karpathos, Greece, as part of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project connecting Greece and Cyprus. Operating in international waters since November 12, 2026, the vessel utilized sonar equipment to map the sea floor for the submarine cable route. The mission was conducted under the surveillance of the Greek frigates Nikiforos Fokas and Limnos, while the Turkish frigate TCG Gokova monitored the operations from a distance of approximately 24 nautical miles.
During the survey, the Turkish vessel transmitted a radio message claiming the research was occurring within Turkey's continental shelf and asserting that the work had Turkish consent. Greek authorities and the vessel's operators have rejected the implication of requesting or receiving Turkish permission, maintaining that the activity conforms to international law and Greek navigation notices (NAVTEX). No active interference or physical obstruction occurred during the mission.
The vessel is scheduled to dock at the port of Heraklion on November 17, 2026, for crew changes and technical maintenance. Following this stop, it is expected to return to the area to continue its work, which is part of a larger energy project co-funded by Europe with 657 million euros, aimed at ending Cyprus's energy isolation by 2031.