CCB position on gas leaks from Nord Stream 1 and 2

CCB • September 30, 2022

The gas leak at Nord Stream 2 seen from the Danish F-16 interceptor on Bornholm. Photo: Danish Defence

Coalition Clean Baltic expresses serious concerns regarding factual massive release of greenhouse gas and other possible environmental consequences of the natural gas leakages that were detected by Danish and Swedish authorities from the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines on 27-28 September 2022.


With the information available at this point and risk assessment from EIA Reports of both pipelines, presented under the Espoo Convention consultations, the full volume of gas, being contained in the damaged pipelines may be released into marine environment and atmosphere.


In the worst case scenario, given pipeline dimensions in the project description (internal diameter 1,153 mm, length 1,220 km) the volume of one pipeline can be calculated as 1.27 million m3. At the settle out pressure of 165 bar, there will be the equivalent of 210 million m3 (at atmospheric pressure) or around 148,000 tons of gas in one enclosed pipeline. According to the EIA, the consequent environmental impacts can occur following the release of gas:


  • Emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere:
    Methane, equivalent to the release of 3.7 million tons of CO2 in terms of climate change potential
  • Impacts on water quality:
    Natural gas exhibits negligible solubility in water, and thus has little effect on water quality in the event of an underwater leak. The gas will rise to the water surface, from where it will be released into the atmosphere; the extent to which it dissipates depends on meteorological conditions and the weight of the gas in relation to the surrounding air. A short thermal impact (temperature drop to negative value caused by gas expansion, or Joule Thomson effect) may occur in the surrounding water. Another possible impact on water quality from an accidental pipeline rupture and gas release is a possible updraft of bottom water. This could cause bottom water to be mixed with surface water, with an impact on salinity, temperature and oxygen conditions.
  • Impacts on fish, marine mammals and birds:
    All marine organisms (benthic fauna, fish, marine mammals and birds) within the gas plume or the subsequent gas cloud will die or flee from the influenced area, which subsequently could impact the designation basis of protected areas (including Natura 2000 sites). The impact will be of limited time and space. 

Besides the expert assessment of higher than estimated in EIA climate impacts (up to 14.3 million tons of CO2-equivalent over a 100-year timeframe), the identified leaks are located in or near the only cod spawning area we have in the Eastern Baltic Sea. Hence the event can cause considerable harm/mortality to the young fish recently born in the area, as well as physical and physiological damage (incl. gas bubble disease), spatial disturbance, etc. To monitor the environmental consequences of this unprecedented situation, all EU Member States being HELCOM Contracting Parties in the area should swiftly deploy instruments to measure the status in relation to e.g. salinity, oxygen and pH. Such equipment could be placed around the perimeter of the incident areas to measure if methane leak has further away effects.

Model prepared by Sabine Eckhardt, NILU.

We also herewith inquire that a transparent information process should be established by respective EU Member States being HELCOM Contracting Parties to keep the public aware of environmental impacts of the accident and their implications for future environmental efforts as well as their consequences on climate and health of the Baltic Sea. Respective HELCOM subsidiary bodies, i.e. STATE & CONSERVATION, RESPONSE and PRESSURE should be involved.


NOTES

- Full letter sent to HELCOM on 29 September 2022

- Media release: ICOS measurements show huge methane peaks in the atmosphere after Nord Stream leak (30 September 2022)

- Danish Energystyrelsen PR (28 September 2022)

- Reuters' article (26 September 2022)

- CCB Save Kurgalskiy campaign: https://www.ccb.se/save-kurgalskiy

- Espoo Report on Nord Stream 2 ( April 2017)

- Environmental Study: Pipeline System on the Swedish Continental Shelf Nord Stream AG – (October 2008)

Job vacancy: Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover)

By CCB • February 24, 2026
Coalition Clean Baltic – CCB is a politically independent network, uniting 28 environmental non-profit organizations, as well as partners and experts from 11 countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the environment and natural resources of the Baltic Sea region by encouraging new and constructive approaches and engaging people to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem. CCB Secretariat is based in Uppsala, Sweden. About the Role Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) is seeking a Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover) to join its International Secretariat and contribute substantively to regional and EU-level marine advocacy, with a particular focus on the Baltic Sea. The Marine Policy Officer will support the implementation of EU and international marine environmental policy frameworks — notably the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD) and the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) . All work is grounded in the promotion of ecosystem-based management. The role includes close collaboration with the rest of the Secretariat team as well as CCB member organisations to deliver policy initiatives, advocacy actions, and strategic programme objectives. The Marine Policy Officer will also support the International Secretariat in fundraising, with a focus on the EU LIFE operational grant application. Key Responsibilities Policy & Advocacy Support the implementation of CCB’s strategic plan on marine biodiversity policy. Contribute to marine policy advocacy at EU and at Baltic Sea regional levels (e.g. HELCOM, EU Commission expert groups). Provide input to the implementation and revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Collect evidence and views to provide NGO inputs to the forthcoming EU Ocean Act and related initiatives. Support the implementation of the Helsinki Convention and Baltic Sea Action Plan. Engage in the revision processes related to the Marine Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD). Programme & Grant Delivery Provide critical support in fundraising, i.e. project proposal development, especially for securing core grant funding (e.g. for the EU LIFE Programme and potentially Horizon programme). Contribute to CCB´s project management, implementation and reporting activities for various projects. Coordination & Monitoring Closely coordinate marine biodiversity policy work with CCB member organisations. Monitor global, EU, and regional marine policy developments. Liaise with partner NGOs and civil society organisations. Communications & Policy Products Draft position papers, policy briefings, consultation inputs and technical reports on relevant files. Support communications and outreach on marine policy issues. Help organise workshops, conferences, and stakeholder events. Represent CCB in policy dialogues, expert groups, and stakeholder forums at the EU and Baltic Sea level. Cross-organisational Support within the Secretariat and its members Contribute to other CCB thematic working areas as required. Profile We are seeking a policy professional who is: Solutions-oriented and adaptable Experienced in advocacy or campaigning Collaborative and team-driven Passionate about marine conservation Organised, diplomatic, and stakeholder-confident Required Qualifications & Experience Demonstrable professional experience in marine or environmental policy. Working knowledge of key EU frameworks, particularly the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Knowledge of Helcom BSAP is an asset. Postgraduate qualification in marine science, ecology, conservation, water management, or related discipline with substantial marine focus. Eligibility to work and travel within the EU (citizenship or valid permit) with residency in Sweden. Excellent written and spoken English. CCB also welcomes applicants from broader environmental policy/law backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant knowledge. Desirable Skills Experience within the NGO or civil society sector preferred. Advocacy or campaigning experience within the EU, the Baltic Sea or international environmental policy processes. Working knowledge of a Baltic Sea region language (e.g. Swedish, Danish, Finnish, German, Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian).

CCB´s submission to the EU Call for Evidence on the Ocean Act

By CCB • February 19, 2026
Uppsala, February 2025 - CCB supports the Ocean Pact and Ocean Act objectives for improving coherence, coordination and effectiveness of EU ocean governance. Yet, in order to achieve this, the Act has to deliver truly ecosystem-based management of our seas and make reaching Good Environmental Status, as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), a cornerstone of the Act. The Ocean Act can set us on a path to recovery of the marine environment under a sustainable and just blue economy, but only if the Act includes the points outlined below and is implemented swiftly and fully.