UK Ports Are'Moving Quickly' To Prevent Russian Ships From Entering The Country

Following the passage of a rule prohibiting Russian ships from entering port, UK ports are "working at a rapid speed" to restrict them, according to a trade association.

Due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK was the first country to do so, and the EU is considering a ban.

According to the UK Major Ports Group, Russian ships are diverting, at anchor, or being packed away.

The RAC, on the other hand, believes that the prohibition will have little impact on petrol prices.

On Tuesday, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the UK had become the first country to adopt legislation prohibiting ships from accessing its ports if they have "any Russian connection."

Some Russian-linked vessels have already been denied entrance to UK ports, according to Tim Morris, chief executive of trade organisation the UK Major Ports Group.

He stated, " "Currently, several Russian-affiliated vessels are diverting on their approach to the United Kingdom. Some are anchored off the coast of the United Kingdom after being denied admission to our ports, unsure what to do next.

"And the ships that had previously arrived have been packed and departed as soon as safety permits. As a result, we're all working hard, alongside the government, to play our part in combating the really alarming situation that we're seeing in the country.

He said it was reasonably easy for ports to figure out which vessels were Russian-flagged, but it was more difficult for them to figure out which were owned and operated by Russian companies.

He added ports have been collaborating with the government to "get the best view that we can" of which vessels are of interest.

Mr Morris stated that Russian trade accounts for only 2% to 3% of total traffic passing through UK ports.

However, trade in commodities such as oil, liquefied natural gas, and some agricultural products has some unusual concentrations.

"It's unlikely to be a supply issue," he added, "but it certainly feeds into bigger debates... about energy goods."