Finnish companies Fingrid and Elisa are demanding the confiscation of a ship to secure their claims for damage to the Estlink 2 transmission line. The companies have filed a lawsuit against the ship’s owner, seeking compensation for the damage caused to the underwater power cable.
The Estlink 2 transmission line is a crucial link between Finland and Estonia, providing electricity to both countries. It was commissioned in 2014 and is jointly owned by Fingrid and Elering, the Estonian transmission system operator. The line has a capacity of 650 megawatts and plays a vital role in ensuring a stable and reliable supply of electricity to the region.
However, in September 2020, the Estlink 2 transmission line suffered damage due to an anchor being dragged along the seabed by a ship. The incident caused a power outage in parts of Finland and Estonia, leading to significant financial losses for both countries. Fingrid and Elisa, as the owners of the transmission line, have estimated the damage to be around 10 million euros.
In response to the incident, Fingrid and Elisa have filed a lawsuit against the ship’s owner, demanding compensation for the damage caused. The companies have also requested the court to confiscate the ship to secure their claims. According to Fingrid’s CEO, Jukka Ruusunen, the companies have a responsibility to protect their assets and ensure that they are compensated for any damages caused.
The decision to confiscate the ship has caused some controversy, with some critics arguing that it is a drastic measure. However, Fingrid and Elisa have stated that they have no other option as the ship’s owner has not taken responsibility for the damage and has not offered any compensation. The companies have also emphasized that the confiscation is not intended to harm the ship’s owner but is necessary to secure their claims and ensure that they are compensated for the damage caused.
The legal battle between Fingrid, Elisa, and the ship’s owner is ongoing, and the court is yet to make a decision on the matter. In the meantime, the ship remains in the port of Tallinn, Estonia, where it was detained by the authorities at the request of Fingrid and Elisa.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of underwater power cables and the potential risks posed by ships passing through these areas. Fingrid and Elisa have stated that they will be taking additional measures to protect the Estlink 2 transmission line and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. These measures include increasing surveillance and monitoring of the area and implementing stricter regulations for ships passing through the area.
Despite the legal dispute, Fingrid and Elisa remain committed to maintaining a positive relationship with their Estonian counterparts. The companies have emphasized that they value their partnership with Elering and are working together to ensure the smooth operation of the Estlink 2 transmission line.
In conclusion, the demand for the confiscation of the ship by Fingrid and Elisa may seem like a drastic measure, but it is a necessary step to secure their claims for the damage caused to the Estlink 2 transmission line. The incident has highlighted the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Fingrid and Elisa remain committed to maintaining a positive relationship with their Estonian partners and are taking all necessary measures to ensure the smooth operation of the Estlink 2 transmission line.
