The “Abeille Marengo” is the French-flagged specialized vessel that has been selected to conduct the underwater surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector pipeline project, that is, the Cyprus–Greece power interconnection via Crete.
SEE ALSO: GSI Pipeline: NAVTEX Issued for the Vessel That Will Conduct Surveys for the Cable
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
What we know about the vessel
It is an offshore support vessel equipped for specialized marine surveys.
Its details
- Flag: France
- IMO number: 9388613
- Length: 73.2 meters
- Year of construction: 2009
- Country of construction: Norway
SEE ALSO: DISY welcomes the NAVTEX regarding the GSI and hopes it will mark the end of “government double-talk”
Who uses it and who conducts the research?
The French company Nexans, which is responsible for the construction and installation of the submarine cable, has contracted the Italian company Next Geosolutions Europe SpA to carry out the research work.
Therefore, the “Abeille Marengo” will be used as a research vessel on behalf of Next Geosolutions, as part of the contract with Nexans.
What exactly will it do?
The vessel will not lay the cable. This will be preceded by detailed seabed mapping to determine the geological and morphological conditions and select the most suitable route for its safe installation and protection.
For this purpose, the following will be used:
- A multibeam echo sounder for detailed mapping of the seabed.
- Side-scan sonar.
- A magnetometer.
- Underwater video recording systems.
- Equipment for collecting geotechnical samples and conducting seabed drilling.
The surveys are expected to include sampling and testing at sea depths of up to 700 meters. The steep underwater slopes, abrupt cliffs, and complex seabed formations pose significant technical challenges.
Where will it pass through?
The surveys concern the maritime route between the Korakia area, in the Heraklion region of Crete, and Cyprus. According to recent reports, work is expected to begin southeast of Karpathos and proceed toward Cyprus.
