Finnish companies Fingrid and Elisa demand confiscation of a ship to secure their claims for damage to the Estlink 2 transmission line
Finnish companies Fingrid and Elisa have taken a bold step in their efforts to secure compensation for damages to the Estlink 2 transmission line. The two companies have filed a request to confiscate a ship, MV Aquamarine, which they believe was responsible for damaging the underwater power cable.
The Estlink 2 transmission line is a vital link between the electricity grids of Finland and Estonia. It was built in 2014, with the aim of increasing the energy security and reliability of both countries. The line consists of two parallel cables, each with a capacity of 650 MW, and is an important part of the European energy network.
However, in February 2018, the Estlink 2 transmission line suffered a major disruption, causing a power outage in parts of Finland and Estonia. An investigation by Fingrid and Elisa revealed that the damage to the cable was caused by a ship’s anchor dragging along the seabed, resulting in a tear in the cable.
Since then, both companies have been engaged in legal battles with the owner of the MV Aquamarine, a Maltese shipping company. Fingrid and Elisa have claimed compensation for the cost of repairing the damaged cable as well as the loss of revenue due to the power outage.
Despite several attempts to reach a settlement, the two companies have been unable to come to an agreement with the shipping company. As a result, they have resorted to requesting the confiscation of the MV Aquamarine as a way to secure their claims.
Fingrid and Elisa have justified their request by citing the Finnish Maritime Act, which allows for the confiscation of a vessel if it has caused damage to underwater cables. They also argue that this is a common practice in other European countries, where similar incidents have occurred.
The decision to confiscate the MV Aquamarine will now be made by the Helsinki District Court. The court will have to determine if the ship is indeed responsible for the damage to the Estlink 2 cable and if the confiscation is a necessary measure to secure the companies’ claims.
While this may seem like an extreme measure, Fingrid and Elisa have stated that they have no other choice. They have a responsibility to their customers and shareholders to minimize the impact of the power outage and ensure that they are adequately compensated for their losses.
In addition to the legal battle, Fingrid and Elisa have also taken steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. They have installed additional protection measures for the Estlink 2 cable, including a warning system that alerts ships when they are in the vicinity of the cable.
Despite the challenges, the Estlink 2 transmission line remains a crucial link between Finland and Estonia, providing reliable and sustainable energy for both countries. Fingrid and Elisa are committed to working towards a resolution that is fair and just for all parties involved.
In conclusion, the request for confiscation of the MV Aquamarine may seem like a drastic measure, but it is a necessary step in securing the claims of Fingrid and Elisa. The two companies are determined to uphold their responsibilities and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy between Finland and Estonia. Let us hope that a fair and timely resolution can be reached in this matter.
