Pipeline damage probe centers on Chinese ship, Finland says

Politico: The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation is focusing on a Chinese ship, the Newnew Polar Bear, in its probe into damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline that links Finland to Europe. The ship was near the damaged pipeline at the time of the incident, prompting authorities to investigate its role. The 77-kilometer pipeline was shut down last week due to a leak, raising concerns about Finland’s energy security. Officials suspect sabotage, as the Prime Minister indicated the incident was not the work of “an ordinary person.” The investigation comes amid broader European concerns about energy infrastructure vulnerabilities, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and past damage to the Nord Stream pipelines. Finnish investigators said the damage was due to “external mechanical force” and not an explosion, and they plan to collaborate with Chinese authorities in the investigation.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.politico.eu/article/probe-into-pipeline-damage-entered-on-chinese-ship-finnish-investigators-say/