A huge oil and chemical tanker from a Russian port has docked at Tranmere Oil Refinery.
The ship, STI Fulham, is sailing under the Marshall Islands flag and left a port in Vysotsk, Russia, on March 29. The vessel was due to arrive in Tranmere at around 5am on Wednesday, April 6, but didn't arrive until Friday, April 8.
The boat was spotted heading into the mouth of the River Mersey at around 4pm and made its way to Essar's Tranmere Oil Refinery alongside two guide boats. Due to how low the boat is, it is clear it is carrying cargo onboard.
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The government signed legislation on March 1 banning all ships that are owned by Russia from entering British ports, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But due to the ship being registered in the Marshall Islands it is technically breaking no sanctions.
It is understood workers are able to refuse to work on or deny entry of ships. A UK Government spokesperson said: "UK Government ministers have signed legislation banning all ships that are Russian owned, operated, controlled, registered or flagged from entering British ports.
"It is mandatory for all ports and harbours to follow this legislation and the Government will support all ports in exercising their responsibilities. We will continue to isolate Putin through every means as he carries out these illegal and inhumane action.”
Essar were approached for comment.
At the start of March a tanker, which sailed under a German flag while carrying Russian oil, left Tranmere after sparking a fierce response from union members. At the time Unite the union, which represents a number of staff at Stanlow oil refinery in Ellesmere Port, declared its opposition to the loophole and said its members would not be involved in handling Russian cargo.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: "Unite has contacted Essar, who operate the Stanlow oil refinery, to inform the company that due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Unite workers at the facility will under no circumstances unload any Russian oil regardless of the nationality of the vessel which delivers it.
"Essar may believe that it is justifiable to transport Russian oil under a flag of convenience but Unite does not. Unite urges the transport secretary Grant Shapps to close this loophole immediately."
