In response to the recent gas pipeline leak in the Baltic Sea, Norway and Lithuania have implemented tighter security measures at onshore energy installations, while Finland has recommended enhanced security awareness for energy operators.

The incident that raised concerns about regional energy security and prompted an increase in gas prices occurred on the Balticconnector pipeline connecting Estonia and Finland. Finnish authorities determined that the damage was the result of "outside activity," and an investigation is underway.

In Norway, efforts to bolster security focus on preventive patrols at onshore oil and gas installations. The West police district, which is responsible for safeguarding installations such as gas processing plants and oil terminals, has intensified its vigilance. This includes facilities like the Mongstad oil terminal and the Kollsnes and Kaarstoe gas processing plants. Norway divides responsibility for security between the police for onshore installations and the military for offshore platforms and pipelines.

The military has augmented Navy patrols and received support from NATO allies to protect offshore platforms, particularly following the explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022. Norway, as Europe's largest gas supplier and Western Europe's top oil producer, exported more than 120 billion cubic meters of gas in 2022, primarily via an extensive pipeline system spanning over 8,800 kilometers.

Finland has also taken action, urging energy operators to enhance their security preparedness in light of the Baltic Sea incident. Janne Kankanen, the director of Finland's National Emergency Supply Agency, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among critical infrastructure operators to protect the security of energy supply.

Likewise, Lithuania, a neighboring country to Estonia, raised security alert levels for its Klaipeda liquefied natural gas import terminal, gas pipelines, and other key energy assets in response to the damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline.

The incident and subsequent security measures underscore the significance of energy infrastructure protection across the region.