What is Known About the Nord Stream Gas Pipeline Leaks?
Unexplained gas leaks detected in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines from Russia to Germany have prompted investigations by European countries into the cause, including possible sabotage.Denmark's armed forces on Tuesday released video showing bubbles rushing to the surface of the Baltic Sea above the pipelines, and said the largest gas leak had caused surface disturbance of well over 1 kilometer in diameter.Here is a breakdown of what is known so far:What happened?The operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline reported a sudden drop in pressure overnight on Monday…
Nord Stream 2 Pipeline 99% Complete
The much-politicized Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany is 99% complete, the pipeline operator said on Wednesday, after the pipelay vessel Akademik Cherskiy finished its initially planned workload.The $11 billion Nord Stream 2, designed to bypass Russia's political foe Ukraine and double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream pipeline to 110 billion cubic meters per year, has been a focal point of tensions between Moscow and Washington.The construction of the pipeline has been hampered by sanctions introduced by the United States at the end of 2019…
Another Vessel Joining Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Construction
The consortium behind the Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline said on Thursday a second Russian pipe-laying vessel is undergoing sea trials ahead of joining the project, as it presses on with construction despite growing political pressure.The vessel, the Akademik Cherskiy, left the German port of Wismar on Thursday with the intention of later joining the project in Danish waters, the consortium told Reuters.The United States has criticized the plan to build the pipeline from Russia to Germany…
U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Vessel Bound for Nord Stream 2 Pipeline
The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a ship involved in building the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to take Russian natural gas to Europe, as the Trump administration sought to raise pressure on the project on its last full day in office.The U.S. Treasury Department said it imposed the sanctions on the Russian pipe-laying ship "Fortuna" and its owner, KVT-RUS, under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).Nord Stream 2, designed to double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream undersea gas pipeline, would take gas to Europe via Germany, bypassing Ukraine, which would deprive Kiev of lucrative transit fees.The project is a rising point of contention between Moscow and Washington.
Germany 'Regrets' U.S. Plan to Sanction Vessel Linked to Nord Stream 2 Pipeline
The United States has informed Germany that it plans to impose sanctions on a Russian pipe-laying ship involved in construction of the Russian-led Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, the German Economy Ministry said on Monday."We're taking note of the announcement with regret," an Economy Ministry spokesman in Berlin said.German business daily Handelsblatt had earlier reported the U.S. sanctions would go into effect on Tuesday as part of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).It said the sanctions would be imposed on the Russian pipe-laying ship "Fortuna" and its owner, KVT-RUS.Nord Stream 2, designed to double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream undersea gas pipeline, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of lucrative transit fees.
Russia Going Ahead with South Stream Gas Pipeline
The Russia-led South Stream undersea gas pipeline is still going ahead, Energy Minister Alexander Novak was quoted as saying on Saturday, following concerns the European Union might be losing enthusiasm for the project. The natural gas pipeline, which will cost an estimated $40 billion, is designed to carry Russian gas to the centre of Europe on a route that bypasses crisis-hit Ukraine. The project has yet to be approved by the EU, which is trying to become less dependent on Russian gas. Supplies from Russia currently account for about a third of EU gas imports. "The South Stream project has not been stopped," Novak was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. "The agreements which were signed remain in force.
Massive Platform Travels Through Bosphorus
Istanbul's Bosphorus straits were closed to shipping for several hours on Monday to allow a massive pipeline laying platform owned by Saipem to pass through into the Black Sea, shipping officials said. The Saipem 7000 entered the straits at around 9:45 am (0645 GMT) on its way to lay an undersea gas pipeline in the Black Sea as part of the Blue Stream pipeline that will carry Russian gas to Turkey. Officials expect the platform to exit the Straits early Monday evening. The Blue Stream project is a partnership between Turkey's Botas, Eni of Italy and Gazprom of Russia. - (Reuters)
