Gasgrid Finland and the Estonian gas transmission system operator Elering AS noticed an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector offshore gas pipeline between the countries on the small hours of October 8, 2023. The pipeline was isolated shortly after the discovery by closing Balticconnector’s valves. At the moment, gas transmission between Finland and Estonia has been halted.
The Finnish gas system is stable, and the supply of gas has been secured through the Inkoo and Hamina LNG terminals. The terminals have the capacity and the ability to deliver the gas Finland needs including in the coming winter, even though gas consumption is typically higher in winter seasons. Market players have been instructed to ensure the gas supply they need by ordering it to Inkoo or the Hamina LNG terminal, so that the continuity of gas supply is secured in the coming winter season.
The reservation status of the Inkoo terminal is on hiatus during the current week, and we aim to open the possibility of booking again at the beginning of next week. With this, we ensure that the capacities offered at the terminal are optimized to support Finland’s gas supply in every situation.
Damage suspected in the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia
Due to the unusual drop in pressure, it is reasonable to suspect that the cause of the incident was damage to the offshore gas pipeline and a leak resulting from it. If the pipe section was damaged, possible resulting gas leak has been since stopped when the pipeline was isolated, and valves closed. No new information has appeared, suspicions of damage have not been confirmed, and the cause of possible damage is not known. Gasgrid Finland is investigating the matter together with Elering.
The cause and location of the possible damage is investigated
Gasgrid Finland and Elering have started proceedings aimed at a pipe inspection operation to investigate the cause of the suspected damage and to locate the possible damage site. Gas pipeline inspection and repair operations require careful planning and compliance with permit processes. It is believed that the actual inspection activities will be started after some days.
If it appears that the unusual pressure drop observed in the small hours of October 8 in the Balticconnector pipeline was due to a leak caused by damage, repair works may take at least several months depending on the scale of the possible damage.
Gasgrid Finland has assessed the extent of gas released in the suspected leak and will report the results to the environmental authorities in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act after they are confirmed.
Gasgrid Finland will provide inform about the development of the situation on its website www.gasgrid.fi as soon as more information is available.
More information:
Janne Grönlund, SVP, Transmission System, Gasgrid Finland Oy, phone +358 40 036 8825
Media contacts: Virve Wright, SVP, Communications, Sustainability, Public Relations, Gasgrid Finland Oy, phone +358 40 552 9219