The Russo-German Nord Stream pipeline company has said it will manage maintenance on its gas lifeline to Europe without a dedicated repair platform.

In a report for Swedish authorities, the company said new technology would eliminate the need for a platform off the coast of picturesque Gotland, a Baltic Sea island.

The company said it was responding to Swedish concerns a pipeline could pose an environmental problem. Comparable structures off the Dutch coast are tiny and discrete compared to hulking platorms in the U.K. and pipeline route’s mid-point.

“Pipeline maintenance will be undertaken through the deployment of intelligent pipeline inspection gauges, or pigs,” a statement said, adding that “suppliers have confirmed that an inspection gauge will be able to travel the entire length of the pipeline.”

Designs are being finalised for the gauges, although the Franpipe and Langeled pipelines show long distance pigging is feasible for long high-pressure, large-diameter pipes.

The company has also submitted an environmental impact assessment for the Swedish part of the project.

“Dialogue” with the Swedes, who are under the sway of their own area pipeline interests, is the next stem for Nord Stream.

Tags: Nord Stream