Govt asks UK ports to block Russian vessels as tanker due in Orkney

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The UK Transport Secretary has asked ports across the country to prevent Russian vessels from entry, with “prohibiting legislation” on the way.

Grant Shapps’ letter comes as a Russian state-owned oil tanker, NS Champion, is due to arrive at the Flotta terminal in Orkney tomorrow, and follows the arrival of another tanker in Shetland last week.

He said it is part of “massive consequences and a severe cost” to be imposed upon Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in an “unprecedented package” of sanctions.

The maritime sector is fundamental to international trade, and Mr Shapps said the “Department for Transport does not consider it appropriate for Russian vessels to enter UK ports”.

Today I’ve written to all UK ports asking them not to provide access to any Russian flagged, registered, owned, controlled, chartered or operated vessels.

Given Putin’s action in #Ukraine I’ve made clear these vessels are NOT welcome here with prohibiting legislation to follow. pic.twitter.com/5pKzfvcbGi

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) February 28, 2022

“From this point onwards, UK ports are asked not to provide access to any ship” which they believe to be flagged, registered, owned or controlled by Russia.

Mr Shapps added that “further detailed sanctions against Russian shipping are being developed” with more details to follow “very shortly”.

Shetland and Orkney MP Alistair Carmichael has been seeking action to prevent entry of Russian tankers to the Isles’ ports in light of the invasion of Ukraine.

He said the “proof shall be in the detail” as the NS Champion is due to arrive in Orkney.

“The news that the government will ban Russian owned and operated vessels from using UK ports is perhaps somewhat overdue but enormously welcome. It will be a relief for my constituents who were ready to protest and to take to their boats to prevent such arrivals – and a relief for all right-minded people who oppose Vladimir Putin’s bloodthirsty regime.

“Having pressed the case with ministers – perhaps to the point of annoyance – through the weekend I am glad that they have taken the action that I and so many others have been calling for in blocking Sovcomflot and all similarly-owned vessels.

“The proof of course shall be in the detail and we shall be looking carefully to ensure that this hits vessels like the NS Champion which was due to arrive in Orkney imminently. There is much more that can and must be done to oppose Putin’s aggression but this is a significant and positive step.”

russia oil tanker orkney — The NS Challenger oil tanker was in Shetland last week.

Earlier he said that if the NS Champion were to enter Scapa Flow tomorrow as planned, which contains the isle of Flotta, then it would be a “dishonour” to Orkney’s war dead and their fight against fascism.

Scapa Flow is the resting place of 835 men who were killed in October 1939 when the HMS Royal Oak was torpedoed by a German U-Boat.

The terminal on Flotta is operated by North Sea oil firm Repsol Sinopec Resources UK.

RSRUK said it is awaiting confirmation of sanctions, which it will comply with, but did not confirm whether it would block the NS Champion tomorrow.

A spokesperson said: “We continue to work closely with our partners, including Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and other key stakeholders to maintain safe and secure operations at Flotta Terminal.

“Access to ports in the UK is regulated by the UK Government and we await confirmation of sanctions, with which we will immediately comply.”