Greece has issued a NAVTEX for the French research vessel Abeille Marengo, which will carry out surveys for the Crete-Cyprus electricity interconnection, according to Greek media. The move clears the way for work on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) to resume, with attention now on how Turkey will respond.
Timeline of the surveys
The Abeille Marengo is expected to sail on Friday, 6 November 2026, from Heraklion in Crete. The work is scheduled to be completed by 6 March 2027.
The vessel is anchored in Heraklion port and is expected to leave once the necessary procedures on the Greek side are completed.
Steps before the restart
The company carrying out the surveys has already sent the relevant coordinates to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Issuing the NAVTEX is the next step towards restarting work on the project.
As part of its mission, the Abeille Marengo will notify coastal states that the surveys are beginning.
Turkey’s possible response
According to the reports, Turkey’s reaction is being closely watched. Ankara may repeat its position that its prior permission is required for the work to be carried out.
The scenarios reportedly under consideration include:
- a Turkish NAVTEX, which could prompt Athens to issue a counter-NAVTEX
- possible interference over radio
The question is whether the restart will be accompanied by tension in the region, as happened in 2024, when the presence of Turkish warships led to the suspension of the work.
The Greek government says that responsibility for licensing the interconnection project lies with Greece.
