Neutral
Informational - no clear directional impact
Low Impact
Minor progress or informational
A new three-year consultancy mandate has entered into force between Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE) and Italian energy-engineering firm CESI SpA covering the next phase of the Black Sea Submarine Cable Project, focused on the Design, Procurement and Supervision of Seabed Surveys along the planned HVDC route between Anaklia (Georgia) and Constanta (Romania). The mandate is funded under the World Bank's "Enhancing Energy Security through Power Interconnection and Renewable Energy" (ESPIRE) program approved in May 2024. The seabed survey work will be carried out in two geographic phases: Phase 1 covers the territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Georgia and Romania, and Phase 2 covers the EEZs of Bulgaria and Turkiye through which the route passes. The mandate continues CESI's involvement on the project following its 2022-2024 feasibility study, and is the principal preparatory engineering contract supporting the subsequent procurement of marine survey vessels and ESIA field campaigns scheduled for 2027-2028 ahead of permitting and FID.