The Finland National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has provided technical clarification regarding the cause of the damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline, attributing it to the activities of the Newnew Polar Bear vessel, registered in Hong Kong. In a press conference on October 24, the NBI disclosed that significant progress had been made in the investigation, shedding light on the technical specifics of the incident.

According to Detective Superintendent Risto Lohi, a dragging trail, measuring between 1.5 to 4 meters in width, was observed on the seabed, leading to the point of damage on the gas pipeline. The presence of an anchor a few meters away from the point of damage is believed to have caused the extensive dragging trail and subsequent pipeline damage. Further analysis revealed a narrow dragging trace, corresponding in size to the component linking the anchor to the chain.

The investigation has highlighted the Newnew Polar Bear's potential role in the incident. Efforts to engage the vessel for cooperation were reportedly unsuccessful, prompting international cooperation, including ongoing engagement with Chinese authorities to facilitate the continuation of the investigations involving the vessel.

While the NBI was unable to take coercive measures against the vessel, given its operation within Finland's exclusive economic zone, the authorities remained vigilant in case the vessel entered Finnish territorial waters. The investigation will also focus on determining any premeditated or negligent actions leading up to the incident.

Seismic signals recorded near the Balticconnector gas pipeline, indicating a possible explosion, coincide with the observed drop in pressure on October 8. The location of the event was approximately 40 kilometers north of Paldiski, Estonia, near the intersection of the Balticconnector pipeline and the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

The Finnish police investigation established a correlation between the movements of the Newnew Polar Bear and the time and location of the gas pipeline damage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive international legal cooperation to proceed with the case.