Greek Energy Minister says Great Sea Interconnector is advancing as navtex for seabed surveys is awaited

Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said on Thursday that the Great Sea Interconnector, which is intended to connect the power grids of Cyprus, Greece and Israel, is moving forward according to a plan. He spoke on arriving at a meeting of the Council of the European Union’s transport, telecommunications and energy (TTE) council.

Minister’s statements in Luxembourg

Papastavrou said he would brief his counterparts on the progress achieved on the Cyprus-Greece interconnection and on the steps that follow. He described the project as one of strategic importance for Europe, being carried out with determination and in line with the law of the sea. He added that it will “lift Cyprus’ energy isolation”.

Navtex expected in coming weeks

His comments come as many expect a navtex, a notice that relays information to vessels at sea, to be issued within weeks. It would concern planned seabed surveys ahead of the laying of cables for the project.

Part of the planned cable route crosses waters that both Greece and Turkey claim, which has complicated the matter.

Turkey’s position

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said last week that Turkey will not raise objections to building the interconnector, on one condition. The governments of Greece and France must notify Ankara in advance of the navtex. France is the home country of Meridiam, the asset management firm that holds the majority stake in the project.

Fidan said Turkey wants written notification, not only verbal, whenever a ship carries out research at sea. The notice should state the specific activities planned and give the coordinates. He said that was all Turkey was requesting.

Timeline under question

Cypriot Energy Minister Michael Damianos said two weeks ago that the navtex for the surveys would be issued before the end of the month. The Greek coastguard has said the French-flagged research vessel Abeille Marengo will carry out the surveys.

That timeframe now looks less likely, since the month ends on Saturday.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday that the project’s future is “being handled away from the public eye”.