Alliance Chief: NATO Prepared to Respond if Baltic Sea Pipeline Damage Is Intentional

NATO to Discuss Damage to Gas Pipeline and Data Cable

Introduction

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that NATO will address the damage caused to a gas pipeline and data cable connecting Finland and Estonia. If it is determined to be a deliberate attack, NATO will respond firmly.

Damage Investigation

On Tuesday, a drop in pressure and a possible leak were detected in the Balticconnector pipeline during a storm. Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation suspects “outside activity” as the cause of the damage. The damage has raised concerns about regional energy security and led to increased gas prices.

NATO Response

Secretary General Stoltenberg emphasized the need to establish the cause of the incident and to respond unitedly and resolutely if it is proven to be a deliberate attack on NATO-critical infrastructure.

Technical Investigation

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation is currently conducting a technical investigation of the damage site. External marks have been found on the seabed near the damaged pipeline, and the movements of vessels in the area are being reviewed. Anchor damage is being considered as a possible cause.

Pipeline Location

The Balticconnector pipeline runs between Inkoo in Finland and Paldiski in Estonia. It crosses the Gulf of Finland, which extends into Russian waters and terminates in the port of St Petersburg.

Joint Operation

The Balticconnector pipeline is jointly operated by Estonian electricity and gas system operator Elering and Finnish gas transmission system operator Gasgrid. The operators have announced that repairs will take at least five months, with gas transfers expected to resume in April.

Kremlin’s Response

The Kremlin described the incident as “disturbing” and expressed concern over the dangerous precedent set by the 2022 attack on the Nord Stream pipelines. The Nord Stream pipelines, which connect Russia and Germany, were damaged by sabotage.

Countermeasures and Deterrence

Experts are questioning how NATO would respond to evidence of state-sponsored sabotage on the pipeline. The Finnish Institute for International Affairs highlights the need for clear countermeasures and deterrence against such activities.

Preparedness and Security

The Finnish government has raised preparedness levels at critical infrastructure facilities, and Norway and Lithuania have increased security measures at onshore energy installations.

Pipeline Damage Details

The Estonian Defence Minister noted that the damages to the pipeline and telecoms cable indicate significant force. The pipeline, encased in concrete, appears to have been pulled or torn from one side. However, Finland’s electricity system will not be affected as gas only accounts for 5% of the country’s energy needs.

Conclusion

The Balticconnector pipeline, opened in 2019, plays a crucial role in integrating gas markets and providing flexibility of supply to Finland and the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Reporting by: Andrius Sytas, Anne Kauranen, Tom Little, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Nerijus Adomaitis, Elviira Luoma, and Louise Rasmussen; Writing by: Gwladys Fouche and Niklas Pollard; Editing by: Terje Solsvik, Bernadette Baum, and Catherine Evans

Original article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-discuss-damage-gas-pipeline-data-cable-2022-10-11/

Read More of this Story at www.reuters.com – 2023-10-11 16:06:00