Canada allows other Nord Stream turbines to be repaired at its plant - media

MOSCOW. July 13 (Interfax) - The Canadian government's deal to allow the repair of Nord Stream gas pipeline turbines in Canada covers a period of up to two years from now and would allow the import and re-export of up to six units, the Globe and Mail Canadian newspaper said.

The permit applies not just to one turbine, which has yet to be returned to Russia after repairs in Montreal, but also to other turbines of the gas pipeline.

Another five turbines could be dispatched to Siemens Canada over the next two years for regular repair and maintenance. "Siemens Canada will send the turbine equipment to Germany, whose government will then turn it over to Russia. The indirect return route could allow Canada to say it has not reneged on its sanctions," the Globe and Mail said.

One of the officials stressed that the arrangement with Siemens allows the Canadian government to revoke the sanctions-relief permits at any time.

Nord Stream commenced operation in 2011. Last year, 59.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas were pumped through it. The project involves Gazprom , Wintershall Dea, Gasunie, E.ON and Engie.

Nord Stream operates at 40% capacity now, because one of the pipeline's turbines has not returned from the major overhaul at the plant in Montreal owing to Canadian sanctions.