According to Finnish authorities, the damage to a gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland was probably caused by the anchor of a Chinese cargo ship. They now want to work with China for further investigations.
According to the Finnish authorities, the damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland was probably caused by the anchor of the Chinese cargo ship “NewNew Polar Bear”. A six-ton anchor was recovered from the sea, the police said. She also published photos of suspected drag marks from the anchor on the seabed. According to the information, the anchor probably collided with the pipeline and was torn off by the “NewNew Polar Bear”.
Investigators say they are continuing to investigate whether the damage was caused intentionally and are working with Chinese authorities. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called for an “objective, fair and professional” investigation, according to the AP news agency.
Ship now in Russian waters
The Hong Kong-flagged freighter was apparently passing through the area at the time of the incident, Finnish investigators said. The police tried to contact the ship’s captain but received no response. The investigators were also unable to examine the freighter because it is now in Russian waters – apparently on its way back to China. However, Finnish police said there were reports of observations that the anchor on the left bow of the “NewNew Polar Bear” appeared to be missing.
Investigators had already linked the “NewNew Polar Bear” to the incident on Friday. The ship’s movements were consistent with the time and location of damage to the pipeline, they said.
Repairs will take at least five months
The Balticconnector pipeline was closed on October 8th due to a drop in pressure. According to the operator, the repairs will take at least five months. The pipeline was put into operation in 2019 and has been the only line through which Finland has been able to import gas since natural gas imports from Russia were stopped in May 2022 as a result of the Ukraine war.
The damage to the pipeline brought back memories of the damage to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 natural gas pipelines in a series of underwater explosions in September 2022. Investigations into the case have been started in Germany, Sweden and Denmark, all of which have not yet been completed.