Russia's Gazprom has completed maximum capacity testing of the first line of the Nord Stream pipeline, which transports Russian gas to Germany via the Baltic Sea, the company said Thursday.
"For the last three days the first line of the pipeline has worked at full capacity, delivering 75 million cubic meters of gas per day. This corresponds to the design capacity of 27.5 billion cubic meters per year," a company statement said.
Gazprom plans to continue testing of the pipeline for another three weeks, during which time it will continue to supply European customers with gas, within the framework of existing agreements, the statement said.
Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said that the testing showed that all systems are working effectively, according to the statement.
"The underwater pipeline and onshore infrastructure of Russia's gas supply system is ready to guarantee the maximum volume of gas deliveries via Nord Stream to our European consumers in the coming fall-winter period," Miller said.
The first line of Nord Stream launched in November 2011.
Construction of a second train, which would double the current 27.5 Bcm/year capacity of the project, is scheduled for completion in October.
Gazprom is also considering expanding the project further, and Nord Stream company, the project's operator, expects to evaluate the possibility of building up to two additional lines by the end of the year.
Russia's Gazprom controls a 51% stake in Nord Stream.
The other shareholders are BASF/Wintershall and E.ON Ruhrgas, each with 15.5%, as well as Gasunie and GDF Suez, each with a 9% stake.
