Russian gas pipeline leaks under the Baltic Sea

Explosions near Russian gas pipeline leaks under the Baltic Sea have been discovered

The inauguration of a long-awaited pipeline that will carry Norwegian gas to Poland to strengthen Europe’s energy independence from Moscow was overshadowed Tuesday by a series of odd leaks on two natural gas pipelines going from Russia beneath the Baltic Sea to Germany.

Two explosions were noted on Monday near the leaks by seismic sensors in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

The initial explosion was noted in the early hours southeast of the Danish island of Bornholm, according to Bjorn Lund, a seismologist with Uppsala University and a member of Sweden’s national seismic network. The second, more powerful blast that evening occurred northeast of the island and had a magnitude of 2.3.

Underwater explosions’ look is something we are extremely accustomed to. There is no question that this is not an earthquake in this instance, according to Lund.

Mateusz Morawiecki, the prime minister of Poland, described the incidents as “an act of sabotage,” and Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark, said she could not rule out the possibility after three leaks on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which are full of gas but aren’t supplying the fuel to Europe, were discovered over the course of the previous day. Energy-related tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have blocked Nord Stream 1 flows and prevented the parallel Nord Stream 2 from ever beginning.

In a symbolic act, Frederiksen, Morawiecki, and Polish President Andrzej Duda opened a valve on a yellow pipe that is part of the Baltic Pipe, a new system that will transport Norwegian gas from Denmark to Poland over the Baltic Sea.

According to Morawiecki, “the period of Russian dominance in the gas sector is coming to an end.” “An age characterised by extortion, threats, and blackmail.”

Since there was no official explanation for the Nord Stream issues, several people believed Moscow attacked its own infrastructure either out of spite or to send a message that pipelines are vulnerable to attack. There was a little increase in natural gas prices as a result of the leaks off the coasts of Denmark and Sweden raising concerns about whether energy infrastructure in European waterways was being targeted.

We can obviously see that this is a sabotage attempt, and as such, a further escalation of the situation in Ukraine is likely, according to Morawiecki.

The timing of the leaks was “conspicuous,” according to Anders Puck Nielsen, a researcher at the Center for Maritime Operations at the Royal Danish Defence College, given the Baltic Pipe ceremony. Someone may have wanted “to send a signal that something could happen to the Norwegian gas,” he suggested.

Puck Nielsen declared, “The arrow points in the direction of Russia.” Nobody in the West is interested in the energy market becoming unstable in any way.

Even if there was political determination to restore the Nord Stream pipelines online, the scale of the damage makes it improbable that they would be able to transport any gas to Europe this winter.

The analysts Henning Gloystein and Jason Bush said that the leaks “may even entail a permanent closure of both lines, depending on the scale of the damage.”

They pointed out that leaks are uncommon and that undersea pipelines are made so that they cannot be mistakenly harmed.

If Russia doesn’t stop pouring gas into the pipeline, the analysts warned that “leaks of this size constitute a severe safety and environmental threat.”

Puck Nielsen, speaking about possible sabotage, said, “Technically, this is not difficult.” All you need is a boat. Divers with experience handling explosives are needed.

But if we consider who would genuinely profit from disruptions and increased instability on the European gas market. He continued, I believe that at this time, just one actor, and that is Russia, truly benefits from greater uncertainty.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin. Responded that “no version could be eliminated” when asked if the disclosures might have been the result of sabotage”. It’s critical to get examined because this is a special circumstance. During a press conference call, he stated: “We are really concerned by the news.

Following the discovery of the pipeline leaks in the regions northeast and southeast of the Danish island of Bornholm. The Swedish and Danish marine authorities issued navigational warnings.

To ensure that ships do not approach the leaks, Denmark designated a forbidden area. According to experts, there may be a risk of air and water igniting as well as a loss of buoyancy for ships.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February. The Nord Stream pipelines have been at the focus of an energy dispute between Europe and Russia. As winter approaches, the pressure on governments to reduce the agony of exorbitant energy costs for homes and businesses has increased due to falling Russian gas supplies. Fears of rationing and a recession have also increased due to the crisis.

Gas, which heats houses, produces electricity, and powers companies, has been difficult for European nations to locate in alternative supplies. Poland, for instance, had been working for years to obtain alternative sources of gas. Such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and the Middle East. And was now on pace to liberate itself from Russian gas. In contrast, Germany is just now rushing to construct LNG terminals.

A key component of the European Union’s effort to secure its energy supply. The Baltic Pipe will begin delivering Norwegian gas to Poland. On October 1 by passing through Denmark and the Baltic Sea.

The leaks “can’t be a coincidence,” according to Simone Tagliapietra. An energy analyst with the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. Who also suggested they might have been caused by Russian or anti-Russian sabotage.

As Poland opens its pipeline with Norway. He suggested that one scenario is that Russia is sending a message. That it “is splitting permanently with Western Europe and Germany.”

In any event, Tagliapietra said, “This is a sharp reminder of the exposure to risk of Europe’s gas infrastructure.”

Since the 2010 construction of Nord Stream 1, according to Polish energy expert Andrzej Sikora. Assaults on pipeline infrastructure have been a possibility. According to Sikora, the head of the think tank Energy Studies Institute. The leaks’ considerable pressure decrease was not the consequence of “a faulty weld.”

The Baltic Pipe, which at one point crosses paths with both Nord Stream pipelines. Has been the subject of his repeated calls for action to assure its security.

Explosions near Russian gas pipeline leaks under the Baltic Sea have been discovered

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