How is the construction of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline going?
The implementation of the large-scale Nord Stream 2 project encountered many difficulties, primarily related to the protests of many states. However, there are those who support Russia. Among them is Germany, whose government has declared that the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is a promising project.
The authorities of the European country positively assess the creation of this system to provide fuel to a large number of EU states. However, Berlin does not go deep into the details of the construction stages, although it understands that the project may not be completed on schedule. For its part, Germany supports the Russian operator and is interested in launching the pipeline. The government stresses that it does not approve of sanctions imposed by the US. Not so long ago Washington imposed fines on companies that somehow took part in the construction of Nord Stream 2. Germany notes that in its opinion, the pipeline is not a threat to Europe, NATO or makes the EU dependent on Russian fuel.
Nord Stream 2 involves the creation of two pipeline branches that pass through the Baltic States and Germany. The total annual capacity of the system is 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Most of the pipes are laid underwater, the rest are located in special economic zones in Russia, Germany, Finland, Denmark and Sweden. The total length of the pipeline is 2,460 kilometers, about 2,300 kilometers have already been completed and the project is 94 percent complete. According to the deadlines, the system will be ready for operation by the end of 2020, but it is most likely to be completed in 2021.
Problems in the gas pipeline implementation are primarily related to the USA. The White House is sure that Nord Stream 2 will serve as Russia’s leverage to influence the European Union and will put the region on a “gas needle” even more. To prevent such an outcome, the United States has imposed sanctions against the pipeline launch. Ships that lay pipes at the bottom of the sea, at a depth of 30 meters, are under their influence. In addition, sanctions have been imposed on companies and individuals that provide rental services for the construction of the Russian project. After the imposition of these restrictions, Washington required Russia’s partners to stop cooperating, which resulted in a delay of about a year in the commissioning of the pipeline.
It is not yet clear how the construction process will proceed. Against the backdrop of global demand decline, many projects are being frozen. Therefore, it is not ruled out that Nord Stream 2 may be postponed for some time until the market recovers.
