Estlink 2 Repaired Successfully

The Estlink 2 high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector between Estonia and Finland has successfully resumed operation following a complex subsea repair, restoring a vital 650 MW link in the Baltic electricity grid more than two weeks ahead of schedule.

Incident and Damage

The outage began on December 25, 2024, when the Estlink 2 cable was severely damaged by the anchor of the Russian-operated cargo vessel Eagle S, part of the so-called "shadow fleet" known for opaque ownership and sanction circumvention. The incident forced an immediate shutdown, impacting electricity flows and contributing to a temporary rise in Estonian power prices.

Repair Operations

Preparatory works began in early 2025, involving detailed risk assessments, fault location, and the mobilization of specialized repair vessels. The damaged section—approximately one kilometer in length—was successfully cut out and replaced with a spare cable sourced from Sweden, a process that required continuous 24/7 operations and precise subsea splicing.

The repair, jointly managed by Estonian TSO Elering and Finnish TSO Fingrid, was originally projected to conclude by mid-July. However, due to efficient coordination and favorable conditions, the cable passed all post-installation and load tests ahead of schedule, allowing a return to commercial operation at 1 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Technical and Financial Details

• The repair involved the removal and burial of the new cable section, with comprehensive data collected on burial depth and cable integrity.
• The total repair cost is estimated between €50 million and €60 million, split equally between Elering and Fingrid.
• The project required close collaboration with cable manufacturer Nexans and multiple European partners for logistics and technical support.

Industry Implications

The rapid restoration of Estlink 2 highlights the importance of robust contingency planning, international cooperation, and technical expertise in HVDC infrastructure management. The incident also highlights the vulnerability of critical subsea assets to third-party maritime activities, reinforcing the need for enhanced monitoring and protection measures in the Baltic Sea region.

Reigo Haug, head of the EstLinks Unit at Elering, credited the successful outcome to thorough preparation and seamless cooperation with partners, noting that both preparatory and repair works progressed well, with no setbacks.