Preparatory work on the Great Sea Interconnector project between Crete and Cyprus is entering a new technical phase, with teams preparing to survey the proposed submarine cable route. The French research vessel Abeille Marengo has arrived in Crete but must await authorisation before starting work. Greek maritime authorities must first issue a Navtex notice defining the survey area. The surveys will determine the most suitable alignment between the Korakia area of Crete and Cyprus and identify underwater conditions that could affect construction.
Survey methods and cable routing
Italian marine-survey specialist Next Geosolutions Europe will carry out the work for French cable manufacturer Nexans, which is responsible for manufacturing and installing the submarine connection. The programme includes sonar mapping, magnetic surveys, underwater imaging, geological sampling and seabed drilling. Its results will identify rock formations, obstacles and areas needing additional cable protection, providing Nexans with the technical information required to finalise installation methods and the precise cable route.
