After several explosions, leaks are discovered on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, from which gas is now flowing uncontrollably into the sea. The EU and NATO assume sabotage. The operator is now talking about repairs. The damage should be inspected as soon as possible.
The operator of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline does not rule out repairing the damaged double strand. There is experience and providers for such work, said a spokesman for Nord Stream AG. Before a course of action can be determined, however, the damage must be assessed. So far there are no pictures of the actual leaks. They want to inspect the damage as soon as possible, but that assumes that the authorities have lifted the restricted zones that have been imposed. The spokesman did not want to provide any information on possible costs and who would assume them. First of all, the damage and the possibilities of repair must be determined.
According to Nord Stream 2 AG, the exact damage to its largely parallel pipeline is still unknown. "No one can seriously say at the moment what it looks like down there" and what technical possibilities there are now, said spokesman Ulrich Lissek. The extent can only be estimated based on the extensive formation of bubbles. "The structural integrity of the pipeline must be massively damaged." He spoke of a possible "giant crack". The spokesman for Nord Stream AG said it was "unprecedented" that such damage had occurred to several lines within a short period of time.
Any exploration or even repairs are likely to be difficult for Nord Stream 2 AG because the company has been under US sanctions since the beginning of the year, which make business with the Swiss-based company impossible. According to the operators of the sister pipeline Nord Stream 1, they first want to explore the damage with unmanned underwater vehicles that are controlled from ships.
Similar devices would also be used for regular inspections. A total of three leaks were discovered in one of the tubes of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and in both tubes of Nord Stream 1 after the first pressure drops earlier in the week. The leaks are near the Danish island of Bornholm. Explosions were recorded in the region earlier in the week. The EU and NATO assume sabotage.
