Balticconnector Gas Pipeline Resumes Operation After Damage from Suspected Chinese Vessel

The Balticconnector subsea gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia has restarted commercial operation after being severely damaged in October 2023. The pipeline, which was torn apart along with three telecoms cables, has undergone months of repair work. The incident, which is still under police investigation, had hurt energy security and raised alarm bells in the wider region.

Finnish police have named the Hong Kong-flagged container ship 'NewNew Polar Bear' as the prime suspect, stating that a large anchor believed to belong to the Chinese vessel was found near the pipeline and that the damage was likely caused by the anchor being dragged across the seabed. The pipeline was severed at a depth of 60 meters on the seabed.

Why this matters: The damage to the Balticconnector pipeline, which occurred a year after the explosions that destroyed the larger Nord Stream pipelines transporting Russian gas to Germany, highlights the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure. The incident has significant implications for energy security in the Baltic region and emphasizes the need for enhanced protection measures.

Repairs on the pipeline have been completed using remote-controlled equipment and were finished in just seven months, much faster than the typical one to two years for a repair of this scale. Gas started flowing through the pipeline again on Monday morning. The pipeline now has a higher northbound transmission capacity after the repairs, thanks to an enhancement of the Latvia-Lithuania gas interconnection, allowing for higher volumes to be transported around the region.

Finland has said it held constructive talks with China over the incident and that Chinese authorities have promised full cooperation in the investigation. The Finnish authorities have been in contact with the Chinese authorities and the shipping company that owns the vessel to pursue compensation for the damage, which is estimated to have cost almost 40 million euros.

The resumption of the Balticconnector pipeline's operation was announced by the operator, Gasgrid Finland, on Monday. "The pipeline is now operational in commercial use," said Gasgrid Finland CEO Olli Sipilä. Finnish police stated that the investigation into whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate act is still ongoing, with China promising full cooperation in the pipeline probe.

Key Takeaways

• Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia restarted after 7-month repair.
• Damage likely caused by anchor from Hong Kong-flagged ship 'NewNew Polar Bear'.
• Incident highlights vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in Baltic region.
• Repairs completed faster than typical, with higher northbound transmission capacity.
• Finland in talks with China for compensation, investigation ongoing on accident or sabotage.