Nord Stream Backup Pipes Remain in Germany, Reports Say
Germany continues to maintain a stockpile of spare pipes for the Nord Stream gas pipeline, which was put out of service due to sabotage in September 2022, according to Ostsee Zeitung. The reserve is reportedly extensive enough to fully restore...
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Germany continues to maintain a stockpile of spare pipes for the Nord Stream gas pipeline, which was put out of service due to sabotage in September 2022, according to Ostsee Zeitung. The reserve is reportedly extensive enough to fully restore the damaged portions.
In September 2022, three out of four pipelines were damaged by underwater explosions, resulting in significant leaks, shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. Consequently, the pipelines were shut down, and the Nord Stream 2 gas receiving facility in the German port city of Lubmin was rendered inactive. While no official suspects have been named, investigations are ongoing, with some reports suggesting involvement from Kiev.
The outlet notes that about 1,000 replacement pipes, valued at €25 million, are currently stored in two warehouses near Lubmin.
“The material has a high value,” a source familiar with the situation said. “Such a quantity of pipes should be approximately enough to repair the destroyed sections,” they added.
Another source indicated that the underwater repairs would be “relatively easy in the technical sense” and could be completed quickly, provided the materials do not need to be newly produced.
Hans-Peter Huber, a lawyer representing pipeline operator Nord Stream 2 AG, a subsidiary of Russia’s Gazprom, confirmed that the pipes are still in Lubmin and belong to the operators. He mentioned that their recovery has faced challenges due to insolvency proceedings in Switzerland related to the company’s debts to minor creditors.
Due to Western sanctions, about €70 million in company funds held at an EU bank have been frozen, which has hindered payments to creditors, Huber added. The company has until May 9 to reach a settlement with creditors, or it risks bankruptcy, potentially leading to the auctioning off of around 500 stored pipes. Huber also stated that these proceedings do not impact Nord Stream 1, which remains unaffected by insolvency.
Gazprom has previously asserted that the pipelines could be restored, although the restoration process might take over a year.
Amid signs of improving US-Russia relations following President Donald Trump’s return to office, discussions about restoring Nord Stream as part of Ukraine peace negotiations have reportedly taken place.
According to PMG, Washington is contemplating lifting sanctions on Nord Stream and other Russian assets in Europe as part of these efforts. Other reports have mentioned a potential arrangement that would allow US investors to acquire a stake in Nord Stream 2 to avert bankruptcy, under which Russia would retain ownership while US companies would oversee operations.
Bild reported last month that a US-led consortium has already proposed collaborating with Gazprom once sanctions are lifted. However, no official confirmation of these plans has been issued by either Moscow or Washington as of yet.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
In September 2022, three out of four pipelines were damaged by underwater explosions, resulting in significant leaks, shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. Consequently, the pipelines were shut down, and the Nord Stream 2 gas receiving facility in the German port city of Lubmin was rendered inactive. While no official suspects have been named, investigations are ongoing, with some reports suggesting involvement from Kiev.
The outlet notes that about 1,000 replacement pipes, valued at €25 million, are currently stored in two warehouses near Lubmin.
“The material has a high value,” a source familiar with the situation said. “Such a quantity of pipes should be approximately enough to repair the destroyed sections,” they added.
Another source indicated that the underwater repairs would be “relatively easy in the technical sense” and could be completed quickly, provided the materials do not need to be newly produced.
Hans-Peter Huber, a lawyer representing pipeline operator Nord Stream 2 AG, a subsidiary of Russia’s Gazprom, confirmed that the pipes are still in Lubmin and belong to the operators. He mentioned that their recovery has faced challenges due to insolvency proceedings in Switzerland related to the company’s debts to minor creditors.
Due to Western sanctions, about €70 million in company funds held at an EU bank have been frozen, which has hindered payments to creditors, Huber added. The company has until May 9 to reach a settlement with creditors, or it risks bankruptcy, potentially leading to the auctioning off of around 500 stored pipes. Huber also stated that these proceedings do not impact Nord Stream 1, which remains unaffected by insolvency.
Gazprom has previously asserted that the pipelines could be restored, although the restoration process might take over a year.
Amid signs of improving US-Russia relations following President Donald Trump’s return to office, discussions about restoring Nord Stream as part of Ukraine peace negotiations have reportedly taken place.
According to PMG, Washington is contemplating lifting sanctions on Nord Stream and other Russian assets in Europe as part of these efforts. Other reports have mentioned a potential arrangement that would allow US investors to acquire a stake in Nord Stream 2 to avert bankruptcy, under which Russia would retain ownership while US companies would oversee operations.
Bild reported last month that a US-led consortium has already proposed collaborating with Gazprom once sanctions are lifted. However, no official confirmation of these plans has been issued by either Moscow or Washington as of yet.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
