Gazprom’s new claim about the Nord Stream 1 turbine

Russian gas company Gazprom attributes the halt in deliveries via the Baltic Sea pipeline “Nord Stream 1” to an alleged design defect in the turbine used by Siemens Energy. Due to the increased risk of fire and explosion, the technical supervisor of Rostechnadzor has prohibited further operation of the turbine, Gazprom announced in Moscow this evening. The company suffering from the identified deficiencies is contrary to the “Rules of Russian Legislation”.

Gazprom did not resume gas supplies to Europe on Saturday after scheduled turbine maintenance. The company justified this by claiming that oil had leaked from the Siemens power unit.

According to Gazprom, oil is leaking from the Trent 60 turbine at the Russian Portovaya pumping station at an extremely hot point. Oil can ignite – hence the risk of explosion threatens the safety of the entire pumping station. The problem did not occur when this turbine was serviced in July. However, it has already been observed in other turbines of this type. The German government considers the technical problems in the pipeline to be faulty. Moscow is accused of refusing gas supplies for political reasons.