Apostolos Tomaras
A key step was taken Thursday toward resuming seabed surveys along the Crete-Cyprus section of the Great Sea Interconnector.
Greek authorities officially announced that the bathymetric surveys will be carried out by the French-flagged vessel Abeille Marengo, following an application to conduct work related to the installation of an undersea cable between Crete and Cyprus.
According to an announcement by the Hellenic Coast Guard headquarters, the application concerns:
“A request for an exemption for the use of the French-flagged vessel ‘ABEILLE MARENGO’ (IMO: 9388613) to conduct a marine survey for the installation of high-voltage direct-current submarine cables as part of the CRETE-CYPRUS interconnection project (Great Sea Interconnector).”
The approval request submitted to the Coast Guard states that French cable manufacturer Nexans SA, the contractor responsible for the interconnection project, has assigned the seabed work to Next Geosolutions Europe SpA.
The surveys will cover the marine area between Korakia, in the Heraklion region of Crete, and Cyprus.
The Abeille Marengo
The French research vessel is currently anchored at the port of Naples, Italy. It is expected to depart for the survey area once the Hellenic Coast Guard grants the necessary permits.
Under the application, the vessel will provide the Hellenic Navy’s Hydrographic Service and Submarine Command with daily updates on the work being carried out.
A similar procedure is expected to be followed when the surveys extend into Cyprus’ maritime areas.
