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.
Repair works of the Balticconnector offshore pipeline have progressed according to plans. The ongoing work phase concerns the preparatory measures for placing the new pipe section in its place. Weather and ice conditions have remained favourable. In the next phase, the new pipe section is installed in place and connected to the existing pipe. Weather and ice conditions are monitored with constant precision, and according to forecasts, they seem to remain favourable.
According to plans, Balticconnector’s repair works will last until the beginning of April. After the installation and connection phase of the new pipe section, the reparation project proceeds to the inspecting and commissioning of the pipeline. The estimated commissioning date is 22 April provided that Balticconnector’s repair and commissioning phases 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