Although the German government doubts the need, it is pushing for the delivery of a turbine for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline to Russia. The transport is now delayed, insiders report – and that in Germany. Economics Minister Habeck sees this as a tactic used by Moscow.
According to insiders, the missing turbine for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline is stuck in Germany after its maintenance in Canada. Russia has not yet given permission for onward transport to the country, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The turbine, whose delayed return means that less gas can flow through the pipeline, according to Russian information, was flown from Montreal to Cologne by the logistics company Challenge Group on July 17.
It is unclear when the turbine, which is around twelve meters long, can be brought to Russia. It could take days or even weeks, the insiders said. Initially, no statement could be reached from Challenge Group. The Ministry of Economy declined to comment. Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck said, however, that the “cabal around the turbine from Canada” is an example of the politicization of technical issues by Russia. “One sometimes has the impression that Russia no longer wants to take them back,” said the Green politician.
So far, Moscow has not provided the necessary documents to import the turbine built by Siemens Energy, one of the insiders said. Russia’s energy giant Gazprom, whose subsidiary Nord Stream AG owns the turbine, cites missing documents as the reason for the delay.
Siemens Energy explained that turbine maintenance is, under normal circumstances, an absolutely routine operation. “Of course we want to transport the turbine back to its place of use as quickly as possible. How long that takes is not entirely within our sphere of influence.” Gazprom was also initially unable to comment.
The turbine was in Canada for routine maintenance. The country had initially blocked a return in view of the international sanctions against Russia. However, under pressure from the federal government, the turbine was brought to Germany in order to be transported from there to Russia. The government in Moscow justified the reduced gas flows via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline with the lack of the turbine.
The federal government considered this to be an advanced argument, but nevertheless advocated delivery of the turbine so as not to give Russia an excuse. Economics Minister Habeck left open where the turbine is: “The turbine was in Germany at the beginning of the week. And when it has reached Russian territory and been handed over to Gazprom, then we will let you know.”
