According to the DNV GL statement obtained by Sputnik, the US has passed legislation that envisages sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in accordance with Protecting Europe's Energy Security Clarification Act.
The Oslo-based registrar is therefore obliged to cease all inspection activities associated with the project and phase out its support for Nord Stream 2 verification. The company added that it cannot issue a certificate upon the pipeline construction completion.
On Friday, the US Senate voted to override President Donald Trump's veto of the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA includes provisions for imposing sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipeline projects.
The Nord Stream 2 project aims at laying a 745-mile-long twin pipeline that will carry up to 2 trillion cubic feet of gas per year from Russia to Germany. The US opposes the project and seeks to export more liquefied natural gas to Europe. The pipeline construction was suspended a year ago after sanctions forced Swiss pipelay company Allseas to withdraw from the project. Pipeline construction was resumed earlier this December and is expected to take several months, according to expert estimates.