Greece denies GSI cable route redesign amid Turkish marine park dispute

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Greece has denied reports that it is planning to alter the route of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) between Greece and Cyprus, despite reports that Athens and France had been examining a possible adjustment to avoid a Turkish declared marine park near Kastellorizo.

Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Monday that he was unaware of any plans to redesign the route of the electricity cable.

Asked about reports that Greece and France had concluded that a “slight redesign” was necessary, Marinakis said: “I am not aware of any redesign.”

“The information I have is that the project will proceed on the basis of the original design, exactly as has been described by the relevant ministers,” he added.

Dispute over route near Kastellorizo

The denial follows a report by Kathimerini that Greece and France were considering a minor adjustment to the cable route so it would avoid areas covered by the Fethiye-Kaş marine park, which Turkey declared on August 15 south of Kastellorizo.

According to sources cited by Kathimerini, the proposed adjustment was being examined as a way of reducing the risk of Turkey attempting to impose restrictions on activity in the area. The sources said such a move would not amount to recognition of Turkish authority, but would instead be aimed at reducing potential disruption to the project.

The conflicting reports leave the status of any possible route adjustment unclear. Athens’ stated position is that the GSI will proceed according to its original design.

GSI remains caught in Greece-Turkey dispute

The Great Sea Interconnector has become increasingly entangled in the wider maritime dispute between Greece and Turkey.

Ankara has previously argued that activities including cable laying and seabed surveys in areas it considers part of its continental shelf require coordination with Turkish authorities. Greece rejects Turkey’s claims and has maintained that its position is based on international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The project received a significant boost in August when French investment group Meridiam acquired a 66% stake in the GSI, while a separate agreement was signed with cable manufacturer Nexans concerning seabed surveys.

For now, the Greek government says the cable remains on its original route, despite reports that alternative options had been discussed with France.

The GSI is intended to connect the electricity grids of Greece and Cyprus, with the broader project planned to extend to Israel.

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