Nord Stream 2 to be launched before the end of 2020, Russia announces

The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will be launched before the end of 2020 despite US sanctions, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Friday. Sputnik reports.

According to Russia's energy minister, Gazprom's pipe-laying vessel Akademik Cherskiy could be used to complete the construction of Nord Stream 2, "but some time will be needed for additional preparation".

The vessel is currently in Russia's Far East.

The Swiss-Dutch company Allseas, which was laying the pipeline, suspended work after the United States imposed sanctions on Nord Stream 2, Reuters reports.

All that remains to be completed is a 160 km stretch near the Danish island of Bornholm.

In 2016, Gazprom bought a special pipe-laying vessel called Academic Cherskiy which is now in the Russian Pacific port of Nakhodka.

Reuters adds that it would take about 45 days for Cherskiy to reach the Bornholm area via the Suez Canal or about 37 days using Northern Sea Route in the Russian Arctic, though it would need to be accompanied by an icebreaker.

Gazprom Moscow

Ministry of Energy of Russia

Gazprom

Allseas

Alexander Novak

gas pipelines

construction of gas pipelines

Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

Akademik Cherskiy vessel