Nord Stream Back Online
The Nord Stream pipeline resumed Russian gas exports to Europe on July 27 after a ten-day annual maintenance run.
The Nord Stream operating company reported that day that the pipeline was now working at full capacity. Previously it said the pipeline would not return to operation until July 30.
Nord Stream is capable of flowing up to 55bn m3/year of Russian gas to Germany and other countries in Europe. Russia’s state-owned Gazprom has a 51% stake in the project, while its partners are Germany’s Wintershall and Uniper, the Netherland’s Gasunie and France’s Engie.
During Nord Stream’s shutdown, Ukraine recorded a 25% increase in Russian transit volumes via its territory. Whether the second line will be ready by January 1, 2020, as planned, will depend on whether the Danish authorities approve the route in time. They consented to the route of the gas pipeline that carries Norwegian gas to Poland; but so far not to Nord Stream 2, raising the question of unfair treatment. Gazprom has not agreed transit terms with Ukraine once the present contract expires December 31.