Nord Stream 2 vs Equinor: Court battles over pipeline aid
Russian operator Nord Stream 2 is seeking compensation from the Norwegian company Equinor for lack of support after the pipeline was damaged in 2022. The trial is set to begin in June.
Nord Stream 2 has filed a lawsuit against Equinor, accusing the Norwegian fuel company of failing to assist after the pipeline was damaged.
In September 2022, an explosion occurred on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The Russian operator approached Equinor for help in investigating the cause of the malfunction, asserting that Equinor had an obligation to provide support due to its industry commitments.
Equinor refused, citing the sanctions imposed by the European Union following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "We could not provide Nord Stream 2 with any support as it would have been a violation of the sanctions imposed by the European Union against the Russian Federation," explained Equinor's spokesperson Ola Morten Aanestad in an interview with PAP.
Gas problems in Europe
The pipeline, owned by Gazprom, was intended to deliver 1.9 trillion cubic feet of natural gas annually to Europe. Following the underwater explosion, which also disrupted Nord Stream 1, Europe faced a fuel supply crisis. The situation was partially alleviated by Norwegian gas supplies, which, according to Equinor data, met about 30% of Europe's demand in 2024.
The trial between the Nord Stream operator and Equinor will take place in a court in Stavanger. The parties have not disclosed the amount of the claim in the lawsuit.
