Blue-Raman Submarine Cable System 

The Blue-Raman Project consists of two submarine cable systems linking the Middle East with southern Europe and Asia: the Blue Submarine Cable System connecting Italy, France, Greece, and Israel (including Cyprus); and the Raman Submarine Cable System connecting Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Oman and India.

ALA have been appointed as the permitting consultants for the Cyprus landing of the project, located in the Yeroskipou marine and coastal area and are in charge of managing the permitting process, which involves inter alia the monitoring and reporting on the progress of applications after submission, contacting agencies to inquire about actions needed for timely receipt of permits and advice on compliance implications of permit conditions.

As a first step, a Permit study report was prepared to confirm the requirements of all permitting authorities and identify all potential environmental and social constraints that could imply a risk for the feasibility or schedule of the project.

A Permit Tracking Matrix was also developed accompanied by a Plan of Works which constitute live documents that are updated throughout the project’s duration based on further consultations with Competent Authorities, project developments and schedule modifications.

ALA are in charge of the preparation and submission of all permit applications and supporting documentation while maintaining contact with the Competent Authorities throughout the process. With the conclusion of the project a Project Close-out book of permit related material for future reference by the system-owner for the landing will also be produced.

In addition to permitting matters, ALA in collaboration with our subcontractors have also undertaken the execution of the Underwater Antiquities Survey in the nearshore area while providing the necessary archaeological supervision during the execution of the geophysical surveys along the cable route in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Antiquities.

Furthermore, the Consultancy are carrying out the environmental impact assessment (Environmental Form) of the project which also includes the execution of a full Environmental Baseline Survey as well as Appropriate Assessments for two marine Natura 2000 sites which may be affected by the project. 

[Image Credits: www.telecomreview.com, google.com, www.wirecable.in]