An unknown object was found near the last remaining intact gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea. It has prompted Denmark to seek assistance from the Russian-controlled operator of the Nord Stream 2 network.
In September, three explosions on pipelines designed to transfer Russian gas to Germany heightened tensions between the West.
The explosions occurred inside the EEZs of Sweden and Denmark. Both governments have verified that the explosions were deliberate, but none has identified the perpetrator.
Last week, Swiss operator Nord Stream 2 AG detected a cylindrical object that protruded from the bottom by around 40 centimeters (16 inches) and had a 10-centimeter diameter during an inspection of the pipeline’s last segment.
The Danish Energy Agency said in a statement on Thursday that authorities had decided to retrieve the object. They are seeking the assistance of the Danish Defense in order to determine its nature.
The Danish Energy Agency reportedly invited the operator of the pipeline. Nord Stream 2 AG, to participate in the operation and was awaiting a response from the operator.
Gazprom, a Russian state-owned gas company, operates the pipeline.
After conducting an investigation, the government found that the item did not pose an urgent threat to public safety.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a ship contracted by Gazprom detected an antenna-like object around 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the explosion sites. Maybe he was not referring to the same thing that the Danish government intends to preserve.
Since Europe terminated the majority of its energy ties with Russia, the remaining pipeline has remained inactive. While there is still gas in the pipeline, the operator acknowledged last year that the pressure had been decreased for safety concerns.
