IT’S the oil tanker which kept switching course, first it was heading to Milford Haven, then it was Antwerp, then it was Belfast, but now it is Milford Haven again. An attempt to confuse the public, moaning politicans? Or is the unfolding situation in Ukraine confusing the owners themselves? Its a question of many people’s lips.

Local councillor Stephen Joseph, who represents Milford Haven Central at Pembrokeshire County Council, has called for people to protest; “We can not let this oil be unloaded here” he said.

This tanker laiden with upto 20,000 tonnes of Russian oil, and hundreds of residents from Milford Haven have said that given the crisis in the Ukraine it is not welcome in Wales.

The First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Leader Adam Price have been the latest politicians to say they dont want to see Russian oil landed here.

It comes as Adam Price has called for no Russian oil to enter Welsh ports while “innocent blood is being shed in Ukraine”.

Mark Drakeford backed the call made by the Plaid Cymru leader during First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday.

That was echoed by local MS Sam Kurtz.

He said: “Given the horrific images of invasion and war led by Putin’s forces in Ukraine, Grant Shapps has my full support in refusing Russian entry to UK Ports.

“The maritime sector is a fundamental part of international trade; this ban will hit hard on Russia’s economic interests and prohibit their ability to profit from our economic output.

“It is not appropriate, nor welcome, to continue granting Russian vessels access to our country. I welcome this move and I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

PORT HAS NO POWERS

But the Port of Milford Haven said it has no power to stop vessels with cargo from Russia except under specific circumstances.

In a letter to stakeholders dated March 1, Andy Jones CEO of the Port of Miford Haven said: “The Department of Transport have today confirmed that the UK sanctions DO NOT APPLY (our emphasis) to cargo or vessels purely because they are coming from Russia. Therefore, as we do not haev the power to unilaterally apply santions to a vessel bound for our Port, we are legally obliged to service them.”

Mr Jones added: “The DfT will be supporting us and other UK ports to identify vessels, on a case-by-case basis, which they believe should not be serviced. All of this will be done in collaboration with our terminal customers.”

In the letter Mr Jones also said: “Whilst the headlines being reported suggest that all UK ports are to refuse entry to Russian-connected vessels, this is not as straightforward as that, as this sanction is directed at ownership and control [and not Russian cargo].”

LOCAL MP’s CONCERNS

Commenting on the ‘Louie’ which is destined for Puma Energy, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb said: “There is understandably a significant amount of community concern about the impending arrival of the Louie at the Port of Milford Haven.

“I have been seeking clarity about the situation from both the UK Transport Minister and the Port of Milford Haven.

“Whilst I understand that the vessel is not Russian owned, and is not included in the Government legislation,  the cargo has been loaded at a Russian Port. Many people in the community feel strongly that even accepting cargo that has come from Russia is just simply not acceptable given the appalling situation in Ukraine.”

“I fully support the work that has been done by the UK Government to ban any ships that are Russian flagged, registered or controlled from entering British ports as this strong action is exactly what is needed to impose tough economic penalties on Russia in response to their invasion of Ukraine.

“But I do believe that it needs to go further still, and that the source of the cargo needs to be included in the Government’s sanctions.

“Today, I have written to the Transport Minister, Grant Shapps, asking for more action to extend the legislation to take the cargo into consideration.  

“I understand that the Port and the Department for Transport are continuing to work closely to identify ships that meet the UK sanctions, and prevent them from entering while Russia continues to invade Ukraine.

“Being home to one of the UK’s busiest ports, local residents will want to see that absolutely everything is being done to ensure that a firm stand is taken against Russia and the war being raged against Ukraine.”

The Herald is awaiting for a comment from Puma Energy.

(Cover image: Milford Haven Port Authority)