Nord Stream 2 PipeLayer Changes Course

The Russian pipe-laying vessel which Moscow has said it capable of completing the Nord Stream 2 has changed course and is now bound for the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, tracking data provided by Marine Traffic and Vesselfinder show.

The Gazprom-owned Akademik Cherskiy, formerly stationed in the Russian Far East, had been bound for Singapore, according to previous ship data, with an estimated arrival time of February 22. But before reaching its destination, it plotted a course instead for Colombo.

Russian energy minister Alexander Novak said last year that Akademic Cherskiy would be suitable for completing the Nord Stream 2. Swiss contractor Allseas halted work on the project in late December because of US sanctions, with just 6% of the pipeline left to lay. Gazprom on February 10 selected an unidentified contractor to install welding equipment on the vessel and undertake other upgrades.

Both Singapore and Colombo have shipbuilding yards.