VLADIVOSTOK, September 1. /TASS/. Implementation of Nord Stream-2 projects will most likely continue in cooperation with Gazprom’s international partners, First Deputy Energy Minister Alexei Teksler said on Thursday.
"Chances to bring the project into life remain. All the parties confirmed interest in participation but the participation format undergoes changes due to approval problems," the official said. All Gazprom’s partners will participate in the project and the option of joint implementation is the most realistic, he added.
Gazprom and its European partners (Engie, OMV, Shell, Uniper and Wintershall) sent a request to create a joint venture for Nord Stream - 2 to German and Polish anti-monopoly regulators. Germany has approved this decision, and the Polish regulator objected. In particular, it was noted that the joint venture could lead to a limitation of competition. Later the companies withdrew the application filed to the Polish regulator.
The Nord Stream-2 project includes the construction of two lines of the offshore gas pipeline with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas a year from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, in addition to the existing two lines. The project is to be implemented by the new engineering company New European Pipeline AG. The stakes of partners in Nord Stream 2 AG will be distributed as follows: Gazprom will hold 50%, while Uniper, BASF/Wintershall, Shell, OMV and ENGIE will own 10% each.