Estimated to cost €8bn ($9.1bn), the Nord Stream 2 export gas pipeline runs from Russia to Europe across the Baltic Sea. It is the expansion of the existing Nord Stream pipeline.
The approval for the approximately 55km long section of the 1,200km Nord Stream 2 pipeline project complies with the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).
Nord Stream 2 Germany permitting manager Jens Lange said: “This permit is the result of an extensive planning and consultation process. Nord Stream 2 is aware of its responsibility towards this sensitive natural habitat and has taken this into account in the planning phase.
"In addition to the environment, these considerations also include the interests of other parties concerned, such as the shipping and tourism industries.
“This permit is an important milestone in the complex permitting process for the project as a whole.”
Planned to be commissioned in 2019, the Nord Stream 2 will have a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
The project shareholders include Gazprom with 50% stake as well as BASF/Wintershall, Engie, E.On, OMV, and Shell each holding 10% interests.
The approval follows the Stralsund Mining Authority’s permit in early November 2017 for the Nord Stream 2 project mining activities in the area of the German continental shelf (equivalent to the German Exclusive Economic Zone).
In February 2017, Switzerland's Allseas had secured offshore pipelay contract from Nord Stream 2 joint venture partners to lay the natural gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea.
Image: The Nord Stream 2 project has secured permit for construction and operation in German territorial waters. Photo: courtesy of Nord Stream 2.
