UNL - Kremlin claims second Nord Stream 1 turbine has defects

The Russian government said on Tuesday that a repaired gas turbine for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline has not yet arrived after maintenance in Canada and that a second turbine is showing defects .

Claiming another turbine also has defects, the Kremlin said Western sanctions against Russia had complicated the work of Nord Stream 1, which is cutting natural gas supply to Europe to just 20% of its capacity amid maintenance.

Gazprom ( OTCPK:OGZPY ) said on Monday it had received documentation on the first turbine but some issues and risks remained; Siemens ( OTCPK:SIEGY ), the company servicing the turbine in Canada, has said there was no link between the turbine issue and Gazprom's gas cuts.

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Citing "insiders" familiar with the Kremlin leadership's thinking, Bloomberg reports Russia likely will keep vital gas flows to Europe at minimal levels as long as the standoff over Ukraine continues.

The European Union proposed a plan last week for member states to cut gas usage by 15% until March, but some governments demanding more flexibility are forcing the EU to consider revising the plan .

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