The Nord Stream Pipeline through the Baltic Sea is the most direct connection between the vast gas reserves in Russia and energy markets in the European Union. Years of studies have brought Nord Stream to the conclusion that the offshore pipeline project represents one of the safest, most economical, and most environmentally friendly ways to increase gas supplies to Europe.

The Nord Stream twin pipeline system through the Baltic Sea runs from Vyborg, Russia to Lubmin near Greifswald, Germany.

Building the pipelines was a major feat of engineering. Because they pass through the waters of five countries, and could affect others, an extensive permitting and consultation process took place. An important part of this process focused on the environment and the procedures developed to investigate and mitigate all potential impacts.

The twin pipelines have the capacity to transport a combined total of about 55 bcm of gas a year – that’s enough to satisfy the energy demand of more than 26 million European households. Nord Stream has designed the pipelines to operate for at least 50 years.