Nord Stream 2 pipeline gets construction permits from Russia and Sweden

Gazprom’s subsidiary Nord Stream 2 AG, a developer of a pipeline to supply Russian natural gas to the EU market through the Baltic Sea, has received construction permits in Russia and Sweden. 

On Thursday, June 7 Nord Stream 2 received the construction permit for the Russian section of the planned pipeline as well as the permit to construct and operate its planned pipeline system in the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The 1,230-kilometer-long pipeline system will transport natural gas from Russia to the European Union.

The permit in Sweden was granted by the government, represented by the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation, which is in charge of the application. The permit covers an approximately 510-kilometer-long route section in the Swedish EEZ.

Nicklas Andersson, Permitting Manager Sweden at Nord Stream 2, said: “We are now looking forward to continuing the productive cooperation and open dialogue with the Swedish authorities during the up-coming construction phase.”

The company said that preparatory seabed intervention works, such as pre-lay rock berms and concrete mattresses for cable crossings, will start at specific sections along the Swedish route in the coming months, while pipe laying in the Swedish EEZ is scheduled to start later this year.

When it comes to the Russian permit, it has been issued by the Russian Ministry of Construction and Utilities in line with the established procedure. Practical implementation of the project under the terms of newly issued permit will begin in the nearest future, taking into account environmental aspects and in line with the conclusion of the State Environmental Expert Review.

Sergey Serdyukov, Chief Technical Officer at Nord Stream 2 AG, said: “This is the result of extensive and thorough teamwork that has been carried out throughout the comprehensive permitting process. This marks an important milestone for the Nord Stream 2 project.”

In Russia, Nord Stream 2 needs to obtain two main permits. In addition to the permit issued on Thursday, a permit for construct of an underwater pipeline in the territorial sea of the Russian Federation will be obtained from the Russian Environmental Authority (Rosprirodnadzor). It is expected to be issued in the nearest future.

To date, Germany, Finland and Sweden have granted all the necessary permits for construction and operation of the planned pipeline. The national permitting procedure in Denmark is ongoing.