The world’s largest group of shipping insurers will not insure vessels involved in the Russian-led Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream gas pipeline projects because of the threat of U.S. sanctions.
Associations belonging to the International Group of P&I Clubs, including the Shipowners’ Club and the London P&I Club, said in a circular on Monday that it would not provide cover “for any activity involving or related to the Nord Stream 2 or TurkStream construction projects.”
It said members were “strongly urged to assess and mitigate the risks of entering into contracts on the Nord Stream 2 or TurkStream construction projects and exercise the fullest possible due diligence to avoid exposure to sanctions or enforcement actions.”
The International Group of P&I Clubs represents the world’s top 13 ship insurers and covers nearly 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage. The notice carried by its members said that all clubs had issued similarly worded circulars regarding Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream.
Led by Russia’s Gazprom, the $11 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline project to double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream 1 link is more than 90% complete and scheduled to begin operating next year.....MORE
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has sought to curb the Kremlin’s economic leverage over Europe and Turkey and has warned investors in the two natural gas pipelines could face sanctions.
Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is chairman of Nord Stream’s shareholders committee. Gazprom holds a 51% stake alongside German energy companies E.ON and Wintershall Dea, Engie of France and Dutch firm Gasunie....
We've pointed out a few times:
...As the kids say: Find someone to look at you the way Putin looks at Gerhard Schröder.
Herr Schröder was Germany's Chancellor before Mutti came in.
Gazprom has paid him a lot of money.
