Greece-Cyprus Cable Work Set to Resume

A NAVTEX authorizing the resumption of surveys for the Cyprus–Crete electricity interconnector is expected to be issued this weekend, ending a major obstacle for the project and Greece’s exercise of its sovereign rights.

Members of the special interministerial committee (EXAETH) were briefed on 2 November and asked to submit recommendations on the project’s licensing by Friday. A positive decision is expected, leading to an exemption permit for the French-flagged vessel Abeille Marengo.

The project management company will then submit an official request for a NAVTEX, which will be forwarded to the Ministry of National Defence, enabling the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service to issue the notice without delay.

The NAVTEX is expected to take effect immediately, allowing the French research vessel, currently in Heraklion, to set sail for the survey area as soon as it is issued.

Turkish authorities are anticipated to issue their own NAVTEX for the surveys, with the Heraklion station expected to respond with a counter-NAVTEX asserting Greek jurisdiction over the area.

Turkey has warned it will protect its rights and prevent unauthorized surveys in its continental shelf, but has accepted the French proposal to inform Ankara about the surveys, which is seen as a diplomatic compromise.