In a potentially disturbing turn of events, the Baltic-connector gas pipeline, operational since 2020 and utilized by both Finland and Estonia, suffered significant damages last Sunday. A concern has been dispensed from Finland that this event may not have been an accident, suggesting it was likely triggered by an external entity.
Suddenly falling into inactivity following an abrupt pressure drop, the Baltic-connector pipeline was shut down. Alongside this issue, a telecoms cable has also reported difficulties. Prime Minister of Finland confirmed on Tuesday that the source of the leak, now under investigation by both nations involved, has been identified – yet the precise causation rests undetermined.
Speculations gathered from Finnish informants approach the possibility of Russian Vanguard playing a hand, a measure of retribution for Finland’s recent alignment with NATO in April this year.
The Norwegian seismic institute, Norsar, has reported detecting a likely detonation along Finland’s Baltic Sea coast on Sunday. This is, however, countered by a statement from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation denying such a likelihood, yet acknowledging the severity of the damage and its potential multi-month repair duration.
Geographical analysis shows the damages to have occurred at two distinct points in Finland’s Exclusive Economic Territory. Prime Minister Orpo, in a press meet, dismissed the possibility of the damage resulting from regular pipeline usage or pressure variations, and similarly ruled out seismic activity as a cause.
Though the pipeline facilitates Finland’s singular direct connection to the European Union’s extensive gas network, Orpo assures that alternative gas sources should suffice to maintain the country’s energy security properly.
NATO’s chief, Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed on X, the support and information-sharing readiness of the alliance with the affected allies.
While public attention remains reluctantly undirected towards Moscow, the potential of a deliberate action has caused a surge in gas prices across Europe. The UK witnessed up to a 13.5% increment on Tuesday – a stark contrast to last Friday’s relatively low rates.
The soaring prices can be partially attributed to Israel’s recent closure of Tamar – one of its largest gas fields, in response to ongoing hostility from Hamas. Notably, the Baltic-connector pipeline damage serves to rekindle energy security anxieties, particularly in the wake of last year’s Nord Stream pipeline blasts.
Ever since the halting of Russian imports last year, the Baltic-connector pipeline has been Finland’s exclusive import channel for natural gas. The pipeline ensures the transportation of gas between Estonia and Finland and contributes to around 5% of Finland’s overall energy consumption.
