Poole Harbour prohibits Russian ships from entering port

According to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, the UK has become the first country to pass a law banning ships with “any Russian connection” from entering its ports.

Following suit, Poole Harbour Master Captain Brian Murphy said: “Poole Harbour Commissioners will be complying with the UK Regulations that prohibit Russian ships, and other ships specified by the Secretary of State, from entering ports in the United Kingdom.”

Captain Brian Murphy of Poole Harbour Commissioners

The decision in Poole has come after Mr Shapps wrote to all UK ports urging them to refuse access to Russian boats due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Cabinet minister wrote: “Russia’s assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state.

“The UK Government has been clear there would be massive consequences and a severe cost for any Russian military incursion into Ukraine and, in coordination with our international allies and partners, we are developing an unprecedented package of further sanctions.

“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 enter UK ports.”

He added the government will “seek to support UK ports in identifying Russian ships” and alert them if prohibited vessels are inbound.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also said the ban on ships, together with new economic sanctions, “will degrade Russia’s economy and help make sure Putin loses”.