Gasgrid Finland and the Estonian gas transmission system operator Elering AS noticed an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector offshore gas pipeline that runs between the countries on the small hours of October 8, 2023. The pipe section was isolated shortly after the discovery by closing Balticconnector’s valves. At the moment, gas transmission between Finland and Estonia has been halted. The state of the Finnish gas system is stable, and the supply of gas is secured via the Inkoo LNG floating terminal.
Due to the unusual drop in pressure, it is reasonable to suspect that the cause of the incident was damage to the offshore gas pipeline and a resulting leak. The gas leak caused by the suspected damage to the pipeline has been stopped when the pipe section was isolated, and the valves closed. Gasgrid Finland announced on October 8, 2023, that it will start preliminary preparations for an inspection operation of the pipe together with Elering, and that it believes that the actual pipeline investigation works would be carried out soon.
The measurements of the offshore Balticconnector gas pipeline begun in Inkoo on October 10, 2023, at 10 am EEST. The measurements are related to the inspection operation with the purpose of determining the location and extent of the predicted damage, on the basis of which Gasgrid can start planning the repair measures for the pipe together with Elering. Gas pipeline inspection and repair operations require careful planning and compliance with permit processes.
Gasgrid Finland is responsible for the inspection operation, and it is carried out in cooperation with Elering. The inspection operation is carried out in stages during this week.
If it appears that the unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector pipeline observed in the morning of October 8 is caused by a leak caused by suspected damage, based on the measurements made now, repair plans for the pipeline can be made and the schedule for the repair work can be defined.
Gasgrid Finland has assessed the extent of the gas leak released in the supposed event. Once the results are confirmed, they are reported to the environmental authorities in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act.
The state of Finland’s gas system is stable, and the supply of gas is secured
The situation of the Finnish gas system is stable, and the supply of gas from the Inkoo LNG terminal has been secured. The terminal has the capacity and the ability to deliver the gas Finland needs in the coming winter as well, even though gas consumption is typically higher in winter seasons. Market players have been instructed to ensure the gas supply they need by ordering it to Inko or the Hamina LNG terminal, so that the continuity of the gas supply is secured in the coming winter season.
Gasgrid will inform more about the development of the situation on its website www.gasgrid.fi as soon as more information is available.
More information:
Janne Grönlund, SVP, Transmission System, Gasgrid Finland Oy, phone +358 40 036 8825
Media contacts: Virve Wright, SVP, Communications, Sustainability, Public Relations, Gasgrid Finland Oy, phone +358 40 552 9219