Britain’s Transport Secretary Calls on UK Ports to Deny Access to Russian-Linked Ships

The UK Secretary of State for Transport is calling on UK ports to prohibit vessels linked to Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. “Prohibiting legislation” is to follow, Rt Hon Grant Shapps wrote in a tweet.

“Russia’s assualt on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic states. The UK government has been clear there would be massive consequences and a severe cost for any Russial military incursian into Ukraine, and, in coordination with our international allies and partners, we are developing an unprecedented package of further sanctions,” Rt Hon Grant Shapps wrote in a letter to all UK ports asking them to not provide access to any ship that is “owned, controlled, chartered or operated by any person connected with Russia,” “Designated Persons,” and ships flying the Russia flag or registered in Russia.

“The maritime sector is fundamental to international trde and we must play our part in restricting Russia’s economic interests and holding the Russian government to account.”

Additional sanctions on shipping are being developed, the letter adds.

British Ports Association said existing duties and arrangements “could make this difficult.”

“The ‘open port duty’ and contractual arrangements could make this difficult in some circumstances but we understand the UK Government is working on legislation to underpin this which will be published in the coming days.

“We expect this to only impact a relatively small number of vessels,” the British Ports Association said.

There are believed to be 16 Russian-flagged ships in UK waters, according to Lloyd’s Lists’ Richard Meade.