Transport secretary calls on UK ports to bar Russian vessels

Orkney Islands Council is expected to provide final confirmation on whether NS Champion will indeed dock in Flotta this Wednesday, after a call by the UK’s transport secretary to bar entry to all Russian vessels.

The letter to all UK ports, penned this Monday afternoon by Grant Shapps MP, comes in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He writes: “In these circumstances the Department for Transport does not consider it appropriate for Russian vessels to continue to enter UK ports.

“From this point onwards, UK ports are asked not to provide access to any ship which they have reason to believe is:

• Owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by any person connected with Russia
• Owned, controlled, chartered or operated by Designated Persons
• Flying the Russian flag
• Registered in Russia.”

OIC said this afternoon that it is aware of Mr Shapps’ letter, and will provide an update shortly on the situation with NS Champion.