Italian Navy Sails To Defend Mediterranean Gas Pipelines

By Flavia Rotondi (Bloomberg) Italy’s military will take steps to reinforce protection of trans-Mediterranean gas pipelines, in the wake of suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream system.

Under a plan drawn up by Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini and other officials, Italy’s navy will deploy remote-controlled submarines to monitor key areas of the Mediterranean, particularly around infrastructure used to transport gas from northern Africa, according to a statement.

The move comes as Rome looks to secure energy supplies for the coming winter. Italy has assured sufficient alternative supplies of gas from northern Africa to make up for any shortfalls in deliveries from Russia, people familiar with matter said earlier this week. 

The country has also reached its target of 90% gas storage earlier than planned, Energy Minister Roberto Cingolani said on Wednesday.

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