Gasgrid Finland and the Estonian gas transmission system operator Elering noticed an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector offshore gas interconnection pipeline running between the countries in the early hours of October 8, 2023. The pipe section was isolated shortly after the discovery by closing Balticconnector’s valves. The gas leak caused by the verified damage in the pipe section halted with closing the valves and thus isolating Balticconnector. Currently, gas pipeline transmission between Finland and Estonia has been interrupted. The state of the Finnish gas system is stable, and supply of gas is secured via the Inkoo LNG terminal.

Preparations for Balticconnector’s repair works have progressed according to plan and on schedule in cooperation with Gasgrid and Elering, and the repair works at the damage site start this week. The Gulf of Finland’s ice conditions have remained as desired, and therefore are not expected to become a significant obstacle in the implementation of the repair works.

According to the reparation plan, repair works will last until the beginning of April, after which it will be possible to proceed with inspecting and commissioning Balticconnector. The estimated commissioning date is 22 April 2024, provided that the repair and commissioning works proceed as planned.

The state of Finland’s gas system is stable and the prerequisites for gas supply have been secured

The state of the Finnish gas system is stable, and the prerequisites for sufficient gas supply in terms of transmission capacity and capacities of alternative procurement channels are secured. Market players have been instructed to ensure the supply of gas needed by ordering it to the Inkoo or Hamina LNG terminal, so that the continuity of gas supply is secured during winter.

Gasgrid Finland will provide more information about the development of the situation on its website gasgrid.fi as soon as more information is available.

More information:

Janne Grönlund, SVP, Gasgrid Finland, +358 40 036 8825