Govt approves Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

The Finnish government on Thursday gave its consent to the Nord Stream 2 AG’s gas pipeline construction project in respect to the section that passes through Finland’s exclusive economic zone.

Nord Stream 2 will build a twin subsea gas pipeline running for about 1,220 kilometres through the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany and for about 374 kilometres across Finland’s exclusive economic zone, said an official press release.

In September 2017, the Swiss project developer Nord Stream 2 AG submitted an application for the government’s consent under the Act on the Exclusive Economic Zone of Finland.

Nord Stream 2 intends to construct and operate a new subsea gas pipeline system through the Baltic Sea. The new twin pipeline will be built next to the Nord Stream 1 pipeline commissioned in 2011-2012.

The government’s consent is conditional, which means the applicant has to meet the terms presented in the government’s decision.

The government’s consent must be enforceable despite any appeal, unless the appellate authority specifies otherwise. The consent will be valid for 50 years, after which it can be renewed upon application.