The pipeline makes landfall at the northern German coastal town of Lubmin, near Greifswald. This is the logistical link between Nord Stream 2 and the European pipeline network.
To ensure stability in the coastal area and bypass existing infrastructure, the twin pipeline was buried in the seabed in the Bay of Greifswald off the German coast. Approximately 350 metres before Lubmin beach, it makes the transition to the onshore landfall site through two microtunnels. Using this method greatly minimised the environmental impact of the construction works.
The landfall facilities built west of the port of Lubmin include the Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) receiving station, in addition to control and regulation equipment for the safe operation of the pipeline. The PIG receiving station connects with the neighbouring natural gas receiving facility from Gascade, and thus with the European pipeline network.
Because Nord Stream 2 has been built in several phases, different sections needed to be welded together in a procedure known as an above water tie-in (AWTI). In German waters, there will have been three AWTI operations by the end of construction. The final such procedure took place in mid-September 2021. Each time, previously laid pipeline ends opposite from each other were raised above the water, welded together, tested for quality and then returned to the seafloor.
Throughout construction, comprehensive environmental monitoring and external oversight has been carried out to ensure that activities have been conducted in line with permit conditions and the planned mitigation measures.
