Siemens Energy said that the leak, which, according to Gazprom, stopped the Nord Stream gas pipeline, usually does not affect the operation of the turbine and can be fixed on the spot. It is reported by Reuters, citing a company representative.
According to the company, the sanctions do not prohibit maintenance, and the leak is not a technical reason for cutting off gas supply.
“We have already pointed out several times that there are enough additional turbines at the Portovaya CS for the operation of Nord Stream.
Siemens Energy also stated that the company is not involved in the maintenance of the Russian gas pipeline, now Gazprom is carrying out repairs. However, Siemens experts expressed their readiness to "advise the company" if necessary. In the past, Siemens has carried out maintenance work on compressors and turbines at Portovaya.
On the evening of September 2, Gazprom reported that Nord Stream would not operate until the malfunctions (oil leaks) that had been identified by maintenance were fixed. The company clarified that the problem can only be fixed at a factory in Canada. The head of Gazprom, Alexei Miller, argued that the factory repair of the Nord Stream turbines was impossible due to sanctions – only Siemens can carry out regular overhauls of gas compressor units. The company, he said, has nowhere to carry out such work.
The shutdown of Nord Stream was also reported on 31 August. Gazprom insists that the suspension of the pipeline is due to the need for preventive maintenance at the Portovaya station.