Russian energy company Gazprom confirmed Monday that documents regarding the turbine that Siemens will ship to resume operations on the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline do not eliminate previously identified risks in ensuring its return because it does not include an exemption to sanctions.
Gazprom reduced its natural gas shipments via the Nord Stream pipeline by 60%, citing the non-return of the Siemens turbine to Russia following maintenance in Canada.
The Nord Stream pipeline is considered one of the most important lines for the transmission of Russian gas to Europe, along with the Yamal-Europe pipeline and pipelines in Ukraine.
Gazprom acknowledged that the issue of sanctions by the EU and the UK on gas transmission from Russia is still outstanding. The resolution on this issue is crucial for the delivery of the engine to Russia and the completion of urgent, major repairs of other turbine engines for Nord Stream 1's Portovaya compressor station.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov said in a statement Monday that natural gas shipments would resume at the maximum technically possible level after the commissioning of the turbine engine, which Canadian authorities plan to ship.
'Gazprom received from Siemens documents issued by the Canadian authorities. However, after studying the documents, Gazprom had to conclude that they do not eliminate the previously identified risks and give rise to additional questions,' the company said in a statement.
'In these circumstances, Gazprom has again requested that Siemens provide prompt support in obtaining the required documents and clarifications so that the pending issues can be solved,' the company stated.
Reporting by Emre Gurkan Abay in Moscow, Russia
Writing by Ebru Sengul Cevrioglu
Anadolu Agency
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