Greece's Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO or ADMIE) announced on Wednesday that the Italian research vessel Ievoli Relume has successfully completed its survey in international waters between the southeast Aegean islands of Kasos and Karpathos.
Managed by the Italian company NextGeo, the vessel conducted in-depth research for the planned project of laying a high-voltage undersea power cable connecting Cyprus with Crete.
The research effort gained significant attention earlier this month when Turkey deployed warships to the area in an attempt to intimidate Athens, claiming the maritime region as part of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The vessel was contracted by the French company Nexans.
A spokesperson for the Greek government later confirmed that the vessel had concluded its research activities, which were conducted entirely within the Greek EEZ. The Ievoli Relume is now en route to Irakleio, Crete, for refueling, resupplying, and crew rotation.