Nord Stream 2 sues Norwegian company over pipeline explosion dispute
The Russian operator Nord Stream 2 is pursuing compensation from the Norwegian company Equinor for a lack of support after the pipeline sustained damage in 2022. The trial is set to commence in June.
The Russian operator Nord Stream 2 has initiated legal action against the Norwegian energy company Equinor, alleging that it refused to assist following the damage to the pipeline.
In September 2022, an explosion occurred on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The Russian operator sought Equinor's help in investigating the cause of the incident, asserting that the Norwegian company was obligated to provide support due to industry commitments.
Equinor declined the request, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "We could not assist Nord Stream 2 as it would have breached the sanctions imposed by the European Union against the Russian Federation," explained Equinor's spokesperson, Ola Morten Aanestad, in an interview with PAP.
Gas problems in Europe
The pipeline, owned by Gazprom, was intended to transport 54 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually to Europe. After the underwater explosion, which also affected Nord Stream 1, Europe faced a fuel supply crisis. The situation was partly alleviated by Norwegian gas supplies, which, according to Equinor data, met about 30% of European demand in 2024.
The trial between the Nord Stream operator and Equinor will be held in the court in Stavanger. The parties have not disclosed the amount of the claim in the lawsuit.
