Route

Nord Stream runs through the Exclusive Economic Zones of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany as well as through the territorial waters of Russia and Germany.

The route has been selected and optimised on the basis of an integrated evaluation of technical, environmental, cultural and economic factors. An integrated feasibility study conducted in 1997-1999 considered several alternative routes and landfall locations. The proposed route was judged the most feasible.

The general aim when planning the pipeline route has been to achieve a direct route, while respecting or avoiding certain areas: adverse natural conditions, environmentally sensitive areas, military exclusion zones, munitions dump sites, major navigation traffic lanes and special areas.

In April 2007 Nord Stream decided to launch additional studies to investigate areas where the route of the pipeline can be further optimised in a reasonable way in order to minimize environmental impacts.

This decision follows analysis of the statements received from the authorities and the public during the international consultation of the Baltic Sea region countries in accordance with the Espoo Convention. The purpose of the international consultations was to exchange information and identify additional environmental studies needs and possibilities for impact minimisation.

Further optimisation of the route will be explored in three areas: in the Gulf of Finland in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Estonia, further south of Gotland in the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone, and near the island of Bornholm, Denmark.

Aspects respected by the Nord Stream routing:

• Protected natural area
• Sites of chemical and explosive munitions dump sites
• Water protection areas
• Tourism and recreation sites
• Spawning and fishing areas
• Intensive shipping area

Please see detailed updated information on the proposed route in the "Project Information Document" and "Status of the Nord Stream pipeline route in the Baltic Sea, October 2007" here.