Nord Stream has successfully completed today full load tests.

In the last three days the gas pipeline's first string was operational fully loaded supplying 75 million cubic meters of gas per day that correlates with the annual design capacity of 27.5 million cubic meters. The full load tests comply with industry-wide standards for gas pipeline safety and reliability.

The tests will continue for another three weeks. During this period the Nord Stream gas pipeline will keep supplying gas to European partners under the contracts signed.

“The tests have shown that all systems are up and running. The offshore gas pipeline and the onshore infrastructure of the Unified Gas Supply System of Russia are ready to supply our European consumers with the maximum gas amounts via Nord Stream during the upcoming autumn-winter period,” said Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee.

Background

Nord Stream is a fundamentally new route for Russian gas export to Europe. Running across the Baltic Sea waters from the Portovaya Bay (near Vyborg) to the German coast (near Greifswald) the gas pipeline will stretch over 1,200 kilometers.

The Nord Stream project is being implemented by the joint venture Nord Stream AG. The stakes in Nord Stream AG are currently distributed as follows: Gazprom holds 51 per cent, Wintershall Holding and E.ON Ruhrgas – 15.5 per cent each, Gasunie and GDF Suez – 9 per cent each.

Commercial gas supplies via the Nord Stream's first string started on November 8, 2011.

The Nord Stream gas pipeline's second string laying ended ahead of schedule on April 18. Upon completion of pre-commissioning activities and filling up with process gas, the second string will be ready to supply natural gas to Europe by late 2012.

The Nord Stream's annual throughput will be 55 billion cubic meters of gas after its two strings reach the design capacity.