The underwater gas pipeline covering a distance of 1,224km includes two parallel lines linking Portovaya Bay near Vyborg with the German coast near Greifswald through the Baltic Sea.
The first Nord Stream line which is now completed and operational has a capacity of 27.5 billion cubic meter every year.
Construction of the second section of the gas pipeline will increase this capacity to 55 billion cubic meter, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012.
Nord Stream is responsible for the engineering, construction and future operation of the underwater pipeline.
Nord Stream shareholders include Gazprom with 51%, Wintershall Holding and E.ON Ruhrgas with 15.5% each, Gasunie and GDF SUEZ with 9% each.
The Nord Stream gas pipeline increases natural gas security of supply in France and across Europe.
