Preparations for Balticconnector Pipeline Complete

The preparatory work for the offshore pipeline of the Balticconnector project, a gas pipeline to be built between Finland and Estonia, has been completed.

“This was a very important phase to complete so that the actual pipe laying can begin as scheduled at the end of May,” said project manager Tom Främling.

The first pipes have, at the same time, been delivered to the Paldiski South Harbour and the last of the pipes are being loaded in Greece and will be delivered before the end of April.

In May, a winch will be installed in Inkoo, to be used to pull the offshore pipeline from the pipe-laying ship to shore. After this, the pipeline installation will progress at a rate of 2–3 kilometers per day towards Estonia, the company explained.

Pipe finishing work will begin immediately in June. In August, the offshore pipeline will undergo pressure testing after which it will be dried and connected to the onshore pipelines in Finland and Estonia.

“It is a pleasure to note that the offshore pipeline work is progressing as planned, thus enabling the opening of the natural gas market at the beginning of 2020,” added Herkko Plit, president and CEO of Baltic Connector Oy.

When completed, Balticconnector will connect the gas networks of Finland and the Baltic countries and will enable the opening of the gas market in Finland.

Baltic Connector Oy is responsible for the Finnish part of the project, and Elering for the Estonian part. Both companies are wholly owned by the Finnish and the Estonian states.

The EU has granted funding to cover 75% of the project, and the Balticconnector gas pipeline is due to be completed by 2020.