The Russian state Gazprom has officially asked the German company Siemens to present the documents allowing Moscow to recover the turbine of the Portovaya compressor station, which was repaired in Canada and which, according to Russia, is essential for the good functioning of the Nord Stream gas pipeline which supplies part of Europe, the company announced this Saturday (07/16/2022).

“On July 15, Gazprom officially requested the Siemens company to submit documents which, in view of the sanctions imposed by Canada and the European Union, would allow the gas turbine engine to be transported to the compressor station in Portovaya, a critical facility for the Nord. Stream,” Gazprom said in a statement.

Despite Western sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, Canada agreed to grant Siemens what it described as a time-limited and revocable authorization to allow the part to return, to be handed over to the Germans and not to the Russians, as had been the case. originally stipulated.

Nervousness in Europe

In its press release, Gazprom specifies that the proper functioning of Nord Stream “and the supply of natural gas to European consumers” now depend on Siemens respecting its obligations. The Russian firm had said on Wednesday that it was unable to guarantee the safe operation of the pipeline until it had the turbines.

The Russian firm began Monday 10 days of maintenance on the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, a measure that is taken annually. However, given the international scenario, the European Union is nervously waiting to see if the taps will be reopened. Moscow had already cut supply by 60% in recent weeks, blaming the lack of a turbine.

DZC (EFE, AFP)