The repair works on the section of the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland which suffered damage and was halted last autumn, have now been completed in the Gulf of Finland. It is anticipated that the pipeline will resume operations on April 22, as announced by TSO Elering.
Following a successful pressure test conducted this week, TSO Elering has confirmed that preparations for the pipeline’s use are ongoing. The sea section connecting Estonia and Finland has been reassembled into a single unit, with further work underway. This involves flushing the sea pipe with water, followed by drainage and an internal geometric analysis.
Once the inspection is completed, the pipe will be dried and filled with gas, with operations expected to resume on April 22, according to Elering.
The Balticconnector was temporarily shut down by Elering and the Finnish gas system operator Gasgrid on the night of October 8 due to a decrease in gas pipeline pressure, indicating a potential leak. The damage was suspected to have been caused by the anchor of the Hong Kong-registered vessel Newnew Polar Bear, which was traveling from Kaliningrad to St. Petersburg.
The incident occurred in Finland’s economic zone.
In addition to the gas pipeline, a communication cable linking Estonia and Finland was also affected by the incident. Furthermore, a communication cable between Estonia and Sweden , situated approximately 50 kilometers west of Estonian Island of Hiiumaa, was damaged the day before. The same vessel is believed to be responsible for both incidents.
Once the inspection is completed, the pipe will be dried and filled with gas, with operations expected to resume on April 22, according to Elering.
The Balticconnector was temporarily shut down by Elering and the Finnish gas system operator Gasgrid on the night of October 8 due to a decrease in gas pipeline pressure, indicating a potential leak. The damage was suspected to have been caused by the anchor of the Hong Kong-registered vessel Newnew Polar Bear, which was traveling from Kaliningrad to St. Petersburg.
The incident occurred in Finland’s economic zone.
In addition to the gas pipeline, a communication cable linking Estonia and Finland was also affected by the incident. Furthermore, a communication cable between Estonia and Sweden , situated approximately 50 kilometers west of Estonian Island of Hiiumaa, was damaged the day before. The same vessel is believed to be responsible for both incidents.
Source: ERR
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