That was worth the read.

Solid hydrates are just one of many reasons why a pipeline might fail.  Very unlikely to have happened in two different pipes in the same area at the same time.  And at three different locations.

If hydrates were a problem, then it would have been cited and addressed in advance at the European side.

Meanwhile NATO has taken a different approach.  They regard it as intentional sabotage.  That rare explosion, happening three times to two different pipes, is the perfect strategy to target an extremist's objective.  Old target were energy companies.  New target is mindset of European citizens who will be paying more for energy.  Who will see shortages.  And who would be willing to surrender to Putin's objectives.

Many NATO nations are now patrolling some 5000 miles of undersea pipelines.  Including a 750 mile pipe from Norway to Scotland.

If both pipes are not repaired immediately, then each pipe will become unusable. Prolonged interior exposure to sea water can be destructive.  And a perfect strategy to put western markets into a frenzy.

Markets considered those pipeline shutdowns as temporary.   Being permanently destroyed adds a new wrinkle into an already unstable situation.  And an ideal event for Putin.  He is a chess player.
 

Last edited by tw (10/05/2022 9:59 am)

Sweden had determined it was sabotage. They found strange debris with traces of explosives.