Nord Stream 2 sues Norwegian Equinor over pipeline explosion response
Russian operator Nord Stream 2 is seeking compensation from the Norwegian company Equinor for lack of support after the pipeline was damaged in 2022. The trial will begin in June.
The Russian operator Nord Stream 2 filed a lawsuit against the Norwegian energy company Equinor, accusing it of refusing to assist after the pipeline was damaged.
In September 2022, there was an explosion on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The Russian operator approached Equinor for help in investigating the cause of the malfunction, claiming that the Norwegian company had an obligation to provide support due to its industry commitments.
Equinor refused, citing the sanctions imposed by the European Union after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "We could not provide Nord Stream 2 with any support as it would have been a violation of the sanctions imposed by the European Union against the Russian Federation," explained Equinor's spokesperson, Ola Morten Aanestad, in an interview with PAP.
Gas problems in Europe
The pipeline, owned by Gazprom, was supposed to deliver 54 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually to Europe. After the underwater explosion, which also interrupted Nord Stream 1, Europe faced a fuel supply crisis. The situation was partially mitigated by Norwegian gas supplies, which, according to Equinor data, met about 30% of European demand in 2024.
The trial between the Nord Stream operator and Equinor will take place in court in Stavanger. The parties are not disclosing the amount of the claim in the lawsuit.
