Nicosia, Cyprus. The governments of Cyprus and Greece did not confirm or deny reports that they intend to issue a navtex for seabed surveys between Cyprus and Crete ahead of cable-laying work for the Great Sea Interconnector.
The reported surveys concern a project intended to link the electricity grids of Cyprus, Greece and Israel.
Reports and official responses
The reports were first published by Greek news website euro2day.gr and later reproduced by Cypriot business news website Stockwatch.
The Cyprus Mail contacted the defence, energy and foreign ministries of Cyprus and Greece, as well as Cyprus’ shipping deputy ministry. None of the seven ministries contacted confirmed or denied the reports.
A navtex is a message used to transmit information to seaborne vessels.
Interconnector investment
The reports emerged a day after French asset management firm Meridiam acquired a majority share in the interconnector project from Greece’s independent transmission system operator, Admie.
Former Cypriot energy minister George Papanastasiou said the acquisition would “of course help” the project’s future.
“It is very good news. This is a fund which is viable joining a project which was looking for financiers,” he told the Cyprus Mail.
Previous disputes
Potential seabed surveys could raise geopolitical issues because the waters where they may take place are claimed by Turkey under its “Blue Homeland” doctrine, known in Turkish as “Mavi Vatan”.
Competing claims have previously impeded seabed surveys between Cyprus and Greece. In 2024, Turkish naval vessels were deployed after the Italian research vessel Ievoli Reulme entered waters Turkey considers its own.
The Turkish vessels escorted the research ship away, while Greece dispatched naval vessels to the area, including the frigates Nikiforos Fokas and Aittitos.
The European Commission said at the time that it “continues to expect Turkey to unequivocally commit to and promote good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes”.
The dispute over the waters concerns whether islands generate their own exclusive economic zones.
