Tanker docking pushed back to Wednesday

The arrival of Russian-owned tanker NS Champion in Flotta has been rescheduled, Orkney Islands Council (OIC) has confirmed.

The impending arrival of the tanker in Scapa Flow has sparked furore among the Orkney community, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The tanker had been due to dock at Flotta at 6pm on Tuesday, but this has now been rescheduled to 8am on Wednesday.

Talks are ongoing as to whether sanctions which the UK has placed on Russia can be applied in such a way which will prevent the vessel from docking.

While Scotland’s First Minister said this afternoon that she does not want Russian tanker NS Champion to dock in Orkney — the final decision will not be one for the Scottish Government, as it is a matter devolved to 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.