The international dispute over the outstanding gas turbine for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline has reached a new level. According to insiders, after maintenance in Canada, he is still stuck in Germany. Berlin and the Kremlin are now blaming each other. However, the gas supply situation in Austria remains extremely tense.
Russia has not yet authorized further transport to the country, two people familiar with the case told Reuters on Thursday. The turbine, whose delayed return means less gas can flow through the pipeline, according to Russian information, was flown from Montreal to Cologne on July 17 by logistics company Challenge Group.
However, it is unclear when the turbine, which is about 12 meters long, can be brought to Russia. It could take days or even weeks, the insiders said.
Habeck: Impression that Russia does not want a Turbine
Initially, Challenge Group could not make a statement. The German Ministry of Economic Affairs declined to comment. Economics Secretary Robert Habeck said on Thursday that the “clique around the turbine from Canada” was an example of Russia’s politicization of technical problems. “You sometimes have the impression that Russia doesn’t want to take them back,” said the Greens politician.
However, the German Minister of Economic Affairs left open where the turbine is: “The turbine was in Germany at the beginning of this week. And when it has reached Russian territory and Gazprom has been handed over, we will announce that.”
Lack of bureaucracy
So far, Moscow has not provided the necessary documents to import the turbine built by Siemens Energy, said one insider. Russian energy giant Gazprom, whose subsidiary Nord Stream AG owns the turbine, cites missing documents as the reason for the delay.
Siemens Energy explained that turbine maintenance is an absolutely routine operation under normal conditions. “Of course we want to transport the turbine back to the place of use as quickly as possible. However, how long this will take is not entirely within our sphere of influence.” Gazprom was initially unable to comment.
Gewessler: Situation still “very tense”
The Russian state-owned company has resumed gas deliveries to Europe after the 10-day maintenance work on Nord Stream 1, but only slightly less than half of the ordered quantities are still flowing – roughly the same quantity as before the maintenance.
Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) again described the supply situation as “tense” on Friday. While it is a positive development that Russia is supplying gas again, she also criticized President Vladimir Putin. This “uses gas as a weapon. Even if more gas flows today, we are still dependent,” said the minister.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
