Russia will continue by its own means works to complete the Nord Stream-2 submarine natural gas pipeline, which will carry Russian gas to Germany, following Swiss company Allseas’ decision to suspend its cooperation because of sanctions imposed by the US to European companies involved in its construction.

According to reports, the most likely scenario is to use a Russian ship which is docked in Russian Far East. Energy Minister Alexander Novak made the announcement, stating that "by the end of 2020 Nord Stream 2 will be operational". He stressed that one solution is "to use a ship that is anchored in Russia's Far East, but will it takes some time to prepare it.”

According to credible sources the ship is named “Academic Cherskiy" it is docked at the port of Nakhodka, and if its selection is confirmed, it will take about 45 days to reach Bornholm via the Suez Canal or about 37 days if she will sail through the North Sea into the Russian Arctic Circle, only in this case she should have the assistance of an icebreaker.

Dmitry Medvedev

The Russian prime minister assured that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline would be completed within a few months and that the sanctions imposed by the US on the project lately would "not be disastrous".
The new agreement with Ukraine on the transit of gas to Europe will ease the consequences of US sanctions, he explained.

Meanwhile the European Union and Germany have criticized the US decision to impose sanctions on European companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
An EU spokesperson said that "in principle the EU opposes sanctions against European companies engaged in legitimate activities" and added that the Commission's aim has always been to ensure that Nord Stream 2 operates in a transparent manner, with the necessary level of regulatory oversight."

German Chancellor A. Merkel's spokesman, Urlike Demmer, also said, "The government rejects these sanctions that it has no jurisdiction to impose. They affect German and European companies and interfere in our internal affairs. "
Washington reacts to the construction of the pipeline on the grounds that it will increase Europeans' dependence on Russian natural gas and thereby strengthen Moscow's influence.

'Nord Stream 2': An investment of 9.5 billion euros

The pipeline, at its completion, will be 1,230 km long and will pass through Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany, and the total cost of the Nord Stream 2 project is estimated at 9.5 billion. euro
In its construction are involved Russian energy giant Gazprom, Shell, the German companies Wintershall and Uniper, the French Engie and Austrian OMV. The Nord Stream 2 project will include two pipelines, estimated to have a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters. gas on an annual basis.