Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom revealed on Saturday that Siemens Energy has expressed a willingness to help repair broken equipment for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline. The pipeline, that provides gas to Germany and the surrounding region, was operating at only 20% capacity before the latest round of maintenance was undertaken.
While Siemens is willing to step in, the company stated that there is no workstation available along the pipeline for them to begin repairs. Although Russia blamed Western sanctions for disrupting the pipeline activity and standing in the way of maintenance work, Western officials have rejected this claim, stating that sanctions do not prohibit maintenance or stand in the way of Siemens’ involvement.
According to Gazprom, Siemens will undertake maintenance work in line with the two companies’ existing contracts. “Siemens is taking part in repair work in accordance with the current contract, is detecting malfunctions … and is ready to fix the oil leaks. Only there is nowhere to do the repair,” Gazprom stated. Siemens, however, confirmed that there has been no involvement on their part in any maintenance work as of yet.
Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni stated that should Russia continue to halt gas supplies as a means of economic warfare with the West following the fallout over the Ukraine invasion, appropriate action will be taken.