Gasgrid Finland and the Estonian gas transmission system operator Elering AS noticed an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector offshore gas pipeline that runs between the countries on the small hours of October 8, 2023. The pipeline was isolated shortly after the discovery by closing Balticconnector’s valves. Due to the unusual drop in pressure, it was reasonable to suspect that the cause of the incident was damage to the pipeline and a resulting leak. The gas leak caused by the verified damage in the pipeline has stopped due to the isolation of the pipeline and the closing of the valves. At the moment, gas transmission between Finland and Estonia has halted. The state of the Finnish gas system is stable, and the supply of gas is secured via Inkoo LNG floating terminal.
Preparations for the repair of the Balticconnector offshore gas pipeline have progressed in accordance with the plan in cooperation between Gasgrid and Elering. Based on the information obtained from the inspection of the pipeline, the actions for repairing the pipe have now been planned more precisely, and the repair plan has progressed in accordance with the set objectives. According to the repair plan, the damaged pipeline section will be replaced. Materials needed for repairing the pipeline have been manufactured and the selection of the key partners for the repairs is completed. Actual repair works can begin in the coming weeks once the detailed repair plan has been finished. Commissioning of the Balticconnector -pipeline in April 2024 is technically still possible, but it requires favourable weather- and sea conditions as well as success in the planning and repair work. Gasgrid Finland follows the ice conditions on the Gulf of Finland, which might affect repair works. So far conditions seem favourable, and ice can also be removed in parts in the area, if necessary.
The state of Finland’s gas system is stable, and the supply of gas is secured
The situation of the Finnish gas system is stable, and the supply of gas from the LNG terminal in Inkoo has been secured. The terminal has the capacity and the ability to deliver the gas Finland needs, also during the winter season, when the gas consumption tends to be higher. Market players have been instructed to ensure the needed gas supply by ordering it to the Inkoo or Hamina LNG terminals, so that the continuity of the gas supply is secured during the winter season.
Gasgrid will inform more 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, +358 40 036 8825
Media contacts: Virve Wright, SVP, Communications, Sustainability, Public Relations, Gasgrid Finland Oy, +358 40 552 9219