By Paul Vieira


OTTAWA--Canada said Wednesday it was revoking a waiver that allowed the return of repaired turbines to Germany for use on the Nord Stream pipeline, saying the measure no longer serves its intended purpose because the energy corridor is inoperable after alleged sabotage.

Nord Stream was the main artery for Russian gas to Europe, and was controlled by Russian state-owned Gazprom. After Moscow said it had to scale back gas shipments due to maintenance issues, Canada revised its own sanctions in mid-July to allow turbines being repaired at a Siemens Energy AG facility in Montreal to be shipped to Europe.

In August, Moscow cut off all supplies, citing technical problems and western sanctions, adding it would keep exports closed indefinitely.

"After the waiver was granted, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin showed his hand, refusing to increase exports through Nord Stream to normal levels," Canada's foreign and natural resources ministers said in a statement.

The pipeline has since been deemed inoperable following explosions in the Baltic Sea, with no timetable on reopening. European investigators have alleged the explosions were an act of sabotage. Canada said repealing the waiver takes into account that "circumstances ... have changed, [and] it no longer serves its intended purpose."

On its official Twitter account, Russia's embassy in Ottawa denied any Russian role in the Baltic Sea explosions. An embassy spokesman said that the decision was designed to bolster support among Canada's Ukraine diaspora.

Canada said it made the decision following talks with Germany, Ukraine and other European allies.


Write to Paul Vieira at paul.vieira@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

12-14-22 2135ET