Offshore staff

ZUG, Switzerland – The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has given the Nord Stream group permission to operate the first of twin pipelines in the Baltic Sea that will transport gas from Russia to mainland Europe.

Nord Stream has met and fulfilled all requirements and commitments outlined in the construction permit. It has also initiated a comprehensive environmental monitoring program, designed to ensure that the pipeline has no impact on the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

DEA states that Nord Stream is responsible for emergency response planning and communicating with the responsible authorities. It must also maintain an organization with sufficient resources and competencies to secure the safe operation of the pipeline, and continuously submit reports on the status of operations.

Each of the two pipelines is constructed in three sections. Prior to underwater welding, these sections were gauged and pressure-tested. Each was pressurized to demonstrate that it could withstand its full operating pressure.

Delivery of gas through Line 1 will start during the fall.

07/18/2011