Russian vessels will be denied entry into Ireland’s ports from Sunday as the violent invasion of Ukraine continues.
All ports and harbour masters nationwide have been issued a directive by the Department of Transport to deny entry to all Russian-registered ships.
According to RTE News, the ban will cover all ships, yachts and recreational crafts registered under the flag of Russia as well as any that have changed the registration of a vessel from the flag of Russia to another state since February 24, 2022.
The news comes on the back of a decision by EU authorities to sanction Russian vessels in response to the devastating war in Ukraine and is being implemented by the member states.
Despite the restrictions coming into play on Sunday, there will be a small number of exceptions that will allow Russian ships and transport vessels to dock in Irish ports.
They include the transport of:
- Coal
- Natural gas
- Oil and refined petroleum products
- Pharmaceutical, medical products
- Agricultural products
As well as for:
- Humanitarian purposes
- Emergency safety situations
Each port will need to contact the Department of Transport for approval on allowing any Russian vessel entry to ensure they fall within the above ‘exceptional circumstances.’
The latest move by the EU marks the fifth package of sanctions against Russia over its ongoing attacks on Ukraine and takes effect across the EU from April 17, 2022.
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