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.
The repairs of the Balticconnector offshore pipeline have been completed according to plans, and the integrity and strength of the pipe have been tested with a water pressure test. Alongside the sea operation, the preparatory work phases for the pipeline’s commissioning have also begun, the implementation of which will take place from land areas in Finland and Estonia. After the commissioning’s preparatory works are completed, the actual commissioning can begin.
The commissioning proceeds in phases: the pipeline is first flushed with purified water. Afterwards, the pipe is emptied of water, and the pipe’s geometry is inspected internally. Following the inspection, the pipe is dried and finally filled with gas. The commissioning is estimated to be completed on April 22, when the Balticconnector sea pipeline connection can be returned to the use of the gas market.
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 until Balticconnector’s recommissioning.
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