First Minister welcomes ban on Russian tanker docking at Orkney

Nicola Sturgeon has welcomed a move to block Russian ships accessing UK ports, including an oil tanker which was headed for Orkney.

UK transport secretary Grant Shapps has written to all UK ports instructing them to prevent Russian-owned or operated vessels from docking.

He also committed to bringing in legislation to ban them.

In the letter, he said: “The maritime sector is fundamental to international trade and we must play our part in restricting Russia’s economic interests and holding the Russian government to account.

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

It comes after the NS Champion was preparing to dock in Orkney.

The news had sparked outrage following Russia’s invasion into Ukraine last Thursday, with several calls to prevent the tanker’s arrival.

The First Minister said: “I had a constructive conversation with Grant Shapps [yesterday] evening in light of the planned docking of a Russian vessel in Orkney, and I welcome this step while legislation for longer term takes effect.”

Orkney Islands Council, which is responsible for ports and harbours in the area, previously said it was unable to prevent to vessel because it was not covered by UK sanctions.

But Shapps has now instructed all ports to ban vessels flagged, registered, owner or controlled by Russia “from this point onwards”.