OREANDA-NEWS. The US Senate may pass a bill on sanctions against companies involved in laying Russian offshore pipelines, primarily Nord Stream 2, said Foreign Policy magazine, citing a copy of the draft bill. 

The bill was prepared by Republican Senator Ted Cruz and Democrat Gene Shahin. According to the document, persons who sell or rent vessels participating in the construction of Nord Stream 2 will be banned from entering the United States. In addition, their assets in the country will freeze. Sanctions are proposed to be introduced also against those who provide financial or technical support, as well as provide insurance for such vessels.

Senators propose to pay particular attention to the activities of two construction companies - the Swiss Allseas and the Italian Saipem, which are laying pipes for Nord Stream 2. It is noted that the bill will apply to all vessels used in the laying of pipelines at a depth of 30 meters or more for the export of Russian gas, thus, the restriction may also include the construction of the Turkish Stream. The Nord Stream - 2 project envisages the laying of two gas lines with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It will also pass through the territorial or exclusive economic zones of Finland, Sweden and Denmark.

The project is being implemented by Nord Stream 2 AG. Gazprom will invest half of the funds in it, and the rest will be invested by European partners: Uniper, Wintershall, OMV, Shell and Engie. Germany supports construction, emphasizing the commercial focus of the project. According to Economy Minister Peter Altmeier, Nord Stream 2 will contribute to the stabilization of gas supplies to Europe. The project is also supported by Norway, whose government owns a 30 percent stake in Kvaerner, one of the gas pipeline contractors.