Page 20 - RusRPTJan21

What sanctions were proposed
The original version of the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 was much tougher. In June, senators proposed restricting any companies that help complete the pipeline. Not only pipe-laying vessels and insurers could be sanctioned, but also companies providing port facilities or mooring services to organizations associated with the project.
In July, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened harsh sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. He also admitted that a part of the Turkish Stream could fall under the restrictive measures. "Get out now or blame yourself," Pompeo said.
In October, a bill on anti-Russian sanctions was introduced to the House of Representatives, similar to the DETER Act submitted back in 2018 by Senators Marco Rubio and Chris Van Hollen. He envisioned sensitive sanctions - for example, a complete ban on investment in the Russian national debt - in the event of Russian interference in the American elections.
What about Nord Stream 2 itself?
The project, which involves the construction of two lines of a gas pipeline with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany, is 93% complete. Construction stalled a year ago when the Swiss pipelayer Allseas was forced to suspend operations due to US sanctions. Moscow calls the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 a manifestation of unfair competition. The United States believes that the project threatens Europe's energy security.
Now hopes for the completion of the project are pinned on the Russian pipelayer Akademik Chersky. MarineTraffic data show that the vessel has recently been operating between an unfinished pipeline and a base where pipes are stored for completion.
20 ​RUSSIA Country Report​ January 2021 ​ ​www.intellinews.com