The Balticconnector, a bi-directional natural gas pipeline intending to strengthen energy security in Finland and in the Baltics, has reached an agreement with Allseas for offshore pipeline installation.

The 150km pipeline is segmented into three divisions. These include a 22km Finnish onshore section, an 81km offshore section on the seabed of the Gulf of Finland, and a 47km Estonian onshore section.

Baltic Connector Oy project director Tom Främling said “This agreement is a significant milestone for the Balticconnector project and shows that the project is proceeding as planned. Allseas is a well-known and reliable offshore pipeline installation contractor, and we are convinced that with them the project will proceed as scheduled and within budget.”

When completed, Balticconnector, with a capacity of 7.2 million cubic meters a day, will connect the gas networks of Finland and the Baltic countries and will enable the opening of the gas market in Finland.

The EU has granted funding to cover 75% of the cost of the project. Balticconnector is due to be completed by 2020.