GSI resumes seabed surveys between Cyprus and Crete

As part of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, seabed surveys will resume in the area between Cyprus and Crete. The project provides for connecting the electricity grids of the Republic of Cyprus, Greece and Israel via submarine cables. The surveys are needed to clarify the seabed terrain and depth and to determine the optimal cable route. The section between the Kofinou (Geçitkale) area and Korakia in Crete is of particular importance.

According to Cypriot media, around 40% of the area that needs to be surveyed lies in disputed maritime zones claimed by Greece and Turkey. The technical work therefore also has significant geopolitical importance. President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the further progress of the project and the need to resume the maritime surveys by phone. The publication of a NAVTEX to inform vessels is expected.

GSI provides for an initial electricity transmission capacity of 1000 MW, with the possibility of increasing it to 2000 MW. The project is intended to connect Cyprus to the European electricity grid via Crete while also linking Israel to the European energy system.

The project was previously known as EuroAsia Interconnector. Its cost is estimated to have already exceeded $2 billion. At the same time, the resumption of the surveys does not mean that the project's main problems have been resolved. In addition to the difficulties of laying the cable at great depth, questions remain regarding financing, the final route and maritime jurisdictions.