Turkish authorities on Tuesday issued a new notification to mariners approving research work by the French vessel that will carry out seabed soundings ahead of the project to link the Greek and Cypriot power networks by undersea cable.

The Navtex came hours after the Abeille Marengo left the port of Irakleio on the southern island of Crete. According to project manager Great Sea Interconnector, it will initially undertake instrument calibration activities before proceeding with the weeks-long survey operation.

The Turkish Navtex said the work would be carried out “along lines coordinated with and consented by competent Turkish authorities in an area within the Turkish Navtex service area and Turkish continental shelf.”

It said work would be carried out between Tuesday and March 19, 2027, and instructed vessels to keep 2 miles clear of the Abeille Marengo.

The Greek-French project initially encountered objections from Ankara, which argues that it will include parts of the east Mediterranean seabed within its own jurisdiction. Greece and Cyprus issued Navtex warnings to mariners ahead of the project, prompting a counter-Navtex from Ankara questioning them. Behind-the-scenes contacts ensued between Paris and Ankara to overcome the impasse.

Earlier Tuesday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis voiced optimism that the European Union-funded project will be completed without any disruptions.

GSI is jointly owned by France’s Meridiam, with a 66% stake, and Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator, and was established to develop, finance, construct and operate the power link.

The project will have a 1,000 MW initial transmission capacity. It will allow the flow of electricity in both directions between Cyprus and mainland Europe.

Source: Ekathimerini.com