The focus of the Balticconnector gas pipeline leak investigation continues to be the Chinese vessel Newnew Polar Bear. Now the police confirm that the anchor lifted from the sea belongs to the vessel in question.
The technical investigations of the damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline in October have confirmed the suspicion that the anchor lifted from the sea belongs to the Chinese ship Newnew Polar Bear, says the police.
– At this point, it can be stated that the anchor lifted from the sea on October 24 is suitable as an anchor for Newnew Polar Bear in terms of certain technical data. The same type of paint as in the damaged gas pipe has also been found on the anchor in question, says the crime commissioner Risto Lohi.
A leak was detected in the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia on October 8. It soon became apparent that the pipe was badly damaged. The authorities suspect that the act was intentional.
The investigation of the Balticconnector gas pipeline damage has been ongoing for a month now. Technical studies are still ongoing.
– The technical investigations are still continuing, even though the active site investigation of the event site has ended, says Lohi.
The focus of the investigation is still on finding out the share of the Newnew Polar Bear ship.
The Central Criminal Police is investigating the matter as aggravated vandalism.
According to the gas network company Gasgrid, the gas pipeline will be commissioned in April 2024 at the earliest.