Copenhagen, 27 September 2022 (TDI): According to maritime authorities of Denmark, a gas leak was detected in a pipeline running beneath the Baltic Sea that connects from Russia to Europe.
A leak in the pipeline was exposed southeast of the Danish Island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, according to the operator of Nord Stream 2.
The pipeline stretches from Russia via the Baltic Sea to Germany and covers 1,230 kilometers. Despite being finished and loaded with gas, it has never been used to import gas. The cause of the detected leak wasn’t immediately clear.
According to a statement from the Danish Energy Agency, the maritime authority of the state has given a navigation warning and set a five-nautical-mile restriction zone surrounding the pipeline because it is risky for ship movements.
The work is now being coordinated by the proper authorities, and according to the Danish energy agency, “beyond the exclusion zone, there are no security issues related to the leak.”
On Monday, a pressure drop in a tube was discovered, according to a representative for the Nord Stream 2 operator, who immediately alerted the relevant marine authorities in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
The leak occurred the day before the opening of the Baltic Pipe, a new pipeline that would transport Norwegian gas to Poland via Denmark.
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Limited effects of leaked gas
Normally, the pressure within the pipeline is 105 bar, however, it is just 7 bar right now. According to Deutsche Umwelthilfe, the more methane gas dissolves in the water the deeper the gas is dumped into the ocean.
According to Deutsche Umwelthilfe, there would only be limited consequences even in the case of an underwater explosion.
The German Economics Ministry also stated that it was in contact with the Danish and German authorities after learning of the alleged location in Danish territorial waters to resolve the issue.
