Vessel Meant to Complete Nord Stream 2 Headed to Germany

The Gazprom-owned Akademik Chersky vessel, which was being considered for the completion of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline, left the port of Kaliningrad and headed to Germany, according to data from the Marine Traffic Vessel Tracing Portal.

The port of Lauffen, a river port in the state of Baden-Württemberg, is indicated as the ship’s next destination.

The pipelayer left Nakhodka on February 10, circled Africa, and on May 2 arrived at the port of Kaliningrad. During his flight, he repeatedly changed his destination.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak in December reported that the use of Chersky is one of the options for completing the Nord Stream-2, but some time will be required for additional preparation of the vessel.

Nord Stream 2 involves the construction of two gas pipelines with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany.

The United States is actively opposing the project, promoting its liquefied natural gas in the EU, as well as Ukraine and several European countries. The states imposed sanctions on the project in December, requiring construction companies to stop construction immediately. Swiss Allseas almost immediately announced the suspension of the gas pipeline.