Operator fills 1st line of N Stream 2 with gas, tests 2nd line

MOSCOW, Oct 4 (PRIME) -- The first line of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has started to be filled with gas in a test mode, while the testing and launching works continue on the second line, operator of the project said in a statement on Monday.

"The procedure of filling one of the lines of gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 with gas started on October 4. The line will be gradually filled with gas in order to reach the volume and pressure needed for further technical tests," the statement read.

The Danish Energy Agency said that one of the lines of the pipeline was ready for use, while the second had to meet more requirements.

"The Danish Energy Agency confirmed on October 4 that the pipeline B (one of the lines of the pipeline) can be launched because Nord Stream 2 AG has fulfilled all requirements, including certification," the agency said.

The Nord Stream-2 project envisages construction of two lines of a natural gas pipeline with an annual capacity of up to 55 billion cubic meters, running from the Russian shore to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Russian gas giant Gazprom implements the project together with Germany’s Uniper and Wintershall Dea, Royal Dutch Shell, Austria’s OMV, and France’s Engie. The project is strongly opposed by the U.S. and several European states.

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