Elering and Fingrid Withdraw Seizure Request, Plan to Sue Shipowner for Estlink 2 Damage

Estonian transmission system operator Elering and its Finnish counterpart Fingrid have decided to withdraw the request to seize the ship responsible for breaking the Estlink 2 power connection in December 2024. Instead, they plan to sue the shipowner for compensation for repair costs.

Background

In December 2024, Fingrid reported the failure of Estlink 2, leading to an investigation into the incident. A day later, Finland seized the Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S on suspicion of causing the outage and damaging internet lines.

Abandoning Seizure Claim

Chairman of the Board of Elering, Kalle Kilk, stated that the decision to abandon the seizure claim was due to the high associated costs. The companies aim to seek compensation for repair costs from the shipowner.

Legal Proceedings

The trial could last up to five or six years, requiring the system operators to cover costs themselves initially to restore the connection swiftly. Elering emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for damaging critical infrastructure.

Estlink 2 Overview

Estlink 2, operational since 2014, spans 170 kilometers and has a capacity of 650 MW. The link has experienced previous shutdowns in 2024 due to technical faults.

Future Plans

Despite challenges, Elering and Fingrid are looking towards the future with plans to establish Estlink 3. The new connection will enhance electricity transmission between Estonia and Finland, promoting energy security in the region.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Elering and Fingrid remain committed to ensuring the reliability and integrity of their power connections while seeking accountability for damages incurred.