Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 included in annual US defense law
Sanctions in the US National Defense Act will punish companies assisting in the construction of the pipeline, including ships helping conduct pipeline operations or move rock formations on the seabed.
The sanctions also target companies providing insurance or secondary insurance for pipeline construction and certification in Denmark. The bill will become law only after it is passed by both houses of Congress and signed by President Donald Trump.
The $ 11 billion Nord Stream 2 project will double the existing pipeline capacity to transport gas across the Baltic Sea from Russia to Europe via Germany.
Gazprom and Germany consider Nord Stream 2 a purely commercial project. Gas demand in Germany is growing as the country reduces its dependence on nuclear and coal energy.
The Trump administration and lawmakers on both sides believe the pipeline will increase President Vladimir Putin's economic and political influence in Europe. The Trump administration also supports increased LNG exports to Europe.
Sanctions supporters hope these measures will prevent Gazprom from using the Russian pipe-lay vessel Akademik Chersky to complete the last 75-mile (120-kilometer) section of the project in Danish waters.