Siemens official: N Stream seen working after small repair

BERLIN/MOSCOW/PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Sep 5 (PRIME) -- Siemens Energy believes that a technical failure report on the Nord Stream gas pipeline equipment was no reason to shut the pipeline down, while a routine repair can reset the pipeline anytime, a representative told PRIME on September 2.

"As a turbine producer, we can only state that such report is not a technical reason to discontinue the use. Such leakages do not affect operations of a turbine and can be eliminated straightaway,” the representative said, adding that there are spare turbines to reset the pipeline on the Portovaya compressor station.

“This is a routine procedure, part of the maintenance protocol. Such leakages in the past did not lead to suspension of operations." re

On September 2, Gazprom said there was an oil leak on the only working Nord Stream turbine and halted it until repaired.

Siemens Energy has not signed any contract to carry out repairs on the pipeline but is ready for the works, he said.

"Siemens Energy currently has no contract to fulfill repair works but is ready for them," the official said.

Gazprom said in a statement that Siemens is obliged to make repairs under the contract with Gazprom and had expressed readiness to fulfill the procedure but has no site to do this because of sanctions. The company did not elaborate on the capacity requirements.

Gazprom cut pumping via Nord Stream to 20% of capacity, or no more than 33 million cubic meters, per day in July because it suspended a Siemens turbine at the Portovaya compressor station at the time when the first had not been returned from repairs. Gazprom and Siemens accused each other of failing to issue correct documents for the return.

On August 31, Gazprom suspended the pipeline for three days for maintenance, and on September 2 suspended the pipeline indefinitely saying that the remaining equipment was broken.

On September 4, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the coming winter season in Europe will be full of uncertainty, and the market gas prices may continue to rise. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Europe of a refusal to service gas equipment and said that the electricity prices may shock people to death as winter comes.

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