The French research vessel Abeille Marengo is expected to depart from Heraklion with a slight delay in order to carry out surveys for the **Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the electricity link between Greece and Cyprus.
Its presence in international waters southeast of Karpathos is seen as a key test of the diplomatic contacts that have taken place with Turkey in recent days.
According to information reported by Protothema.gr, citing sources from the project operator, the vessel is expected to leave Heraklion on Wednesday. Before heading to the survey area, it will conduct calibration tests on its sensors and measurement systems, a process expected to take around 24 hours.
Ankara's response remains crucial
The resumption of work on the GSI project comes against the backdrop of Turkish objections that led to the suspension of survey activities in the summer of 2024.
Greece and Cyprus have issued the necessary NAVTEX notices following a request by French cable manufacturer Nexans, while Turkey has responded with its own navigational warning.
At the centre of developments is a French diplomatic démarche to Ankara aimed at preventing a new escalation and ensuring that the surveys proceed without disruption.
According to the reports, the French diplomatic note makes clear that informing Turkey does not constitute a request for permission and does not prejudge issues relating to maritime zones or sovereign rights.
Despite those assurances, officials in Athens remain cautious over the possibility that Ankara could seek to use the development to revive its claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Athens: Sovereign rights not up for negotiation
Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis reiterated that the French diplomatic communication should not be interpreted as authorisation for the surveys.
Speaking to ERTNews, he said the necessary approvals had been obtained through the competent Greek and Cypriot authorities and stressed that implementation of the project does not place sovereign rights under negotiation.
Timing seen as important
According to Protothema.gr, Athens is keen to avoid further delays and believes the upcoming COP31 UN Climate Conference in Antalya may help reduce the risk of renewed tensions.
The next key development will be the arrival of the Abeille Marengo in the survey area and whether the work can proceed without further intervention.
With information from Protothema.gr and ERTNews.
