First Minister airs views on tanker as Unite supports terminal boycott

Scotland’s First Minister does not want Russian tanker NS Champion to dock in Orkney — but the final decision will not be one for her government.

Nicola Sturgeon shared her views on the scheduled visit in an interview with Go Radio, this Monday afternoon. She said that the arrival of NS Champion in Scapa Flow would “go against, if not the letter, the spirit of the sanctions” which the UK has taken against Russia, in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

While she has held discussions with the UK Government on the situation, which has angered many Orkney residents, Ms Sturgeon explained that this was a devolved matter, and that the final say would be from Westminster.

Repsol Sinopec, operator of Flotta Oil Terminal — where the tanker is due to dock on Tuesday — also awaits the final call from the UK Government.

A Repsol Sinopec spokeswoman 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.”

As protesters plan a peaceful demonstration ahead of the tanker’s arrival in Flotta, trade union Unite has shared support for any of its members working at the terminal who wish to boycott the visit. This would involve giving no assistance to the vessel.