Gasgrid Finland Oy and Estonian gas transmission system operator Elering AS have shutdown operations of the 7.2-million cu m/day (MMcmd) Balticconnector offshore natural gas pipeline between the two countries. The companies noticed an unusual drop in pressure in the pipeline shortly before 2 a.m., Oct. 8, 2023, and suspected a leak, shutting its valves in response.
Investigation is ongoing, with no damage yet confirmed and the cause of any possible damage unknown. Physical inspection of the line will begin in the coming days. Repair could take several months or more, depending on the extent of the damage.
The Finnish gas system is stable and supply has been secured through the 5-billion cu m/year (13.7-MMcmd) Inkoo LNG smaller Hamina LNG terminals, Gasgrid said, adding that the terminals’ combined capacity would allow Finland to meet its gas supply needs even through the coming winter. For the time being, market participants have been instructed to order supplies through the terminals to ensure continuity.
Finland last year took delivery of Excelerate Energy Inc.’s floating, storage and regasification unit Examplar for service as the Inkoo terminal (OGJ Online, Dec. 29, 2022). The vessel is on a 10-year charter with Gasgrid Finland.
