Newsroom
Nexans has announced the successful completion of a critical sea trial for the submarine power cables that will be used in the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the planned electricity link between Greece and Cyprus. The test, conducted in waters west of Sicily, Italy, confirmed that the system can be safely installed and operated at depths of around 3,000 metres, addressing earlier questions about the project’s technical feasibility.
According to the French cable manufacturer, the trial marks an important milestone for one of the most ambitious submarine power interconnection projects currently under development. The GSI is expected to be among the longest and deepest high-voltage subsea interconnectors in the world, requiring specialised technology and installation methods.
The operation was carried out using the dedicated cable-laying vessel Nexans Aurora, which has previously been deployed for major energy infrastructure projects, including the Crete–Attica electricity interconnection.
During the trial, engineers simulated real installation conditions for the 525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable system at extreme depths. Sections of the cable were lowered to approximately 3,000 metres, connected underwater and later retrieved. Once recovered, the cables underwent extensive electrical testing at voltage levels 30% higher than standard industry requirements, along with detailed visual inspections to confirm their structural integrity.
Nexans said the test successfully demonstrated that the cable already produced for the project can withstand the demanding conditions expected along the planned route between Greece and Cyprus. The company added that the information gathered during the trial will now be analysed in detail as part of the project’s strict quality assurance and certification procedures.
