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Russia Oil Still Making its Way to Stanlow Due to Loophole in Sanctions

The Seacod tanker carrying Russian oil has docked at Tranmere, due to a loophole in government sanctions.

UPDATE 5 March 2022: Refinery workers refused to unload the cargo. According to Manchester Evening News, the Unite union has informed the owner of the Stanlow refinery that its members would 'under no circumstances unload any Russian oil'.

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As part of sweeping restrictions against President Vladimir Putin's regime, any Russian owned, chartered or operated ships have been blocked from entering UK ports.

But, the Department for Transport, said the ban would not extend to Russian cargo carried on vessels from other nations.

The Seacod sails under a German flag but collected the oil in the Russian port of Primorsk, where it is said that 30% of Russian oil exports are loaded onto ships.

The Seacod was allowed to dock at Tranmere and its cargo is destined for the Stanlow oil refinery, owned by Essar Oil (UK) Ltd.

CREDIT: Liverpool Echo. The Seacod, pictured docked at Tranmere 4 March 2022,Councillor Jan Williamson, leader of Wirral Council, expressed her concerns on Twitter, saying "We are looking into this as a matter of urgency."

She later posted: "I have had confirmation that this is a German tanker carrying crude oil, likely for Stanlow.

"This is happening across the country and would require Gov restrictions to put a stop to it."

According to ITV News, the Seacod reportedly left Primorsk on Tuesday, 22 February, arriving in Merseyside yesterday, 3rd March. A spokesman for the firm said: "We support and are fully complying with the statutory framework implemented by the UK government with regards to Russia-related entities.

"We can confirm that a vessel has been approved to berth at Tranmere Oil Terminal by the Port Authority."

Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, said: "My understanding is that Essar are lawfully entitled to take this tanker as the current ban relates to Russian ships not their cargo.

"That said, I think everyone who wants to support the people of Ukraine and see the strictest sanctions on Russia possible will agree that the distinction being made between a ban on ships but not their cargo is one that is not morally defensible and urgently needs Government action.

"It is all too easy to see how Russian imports will be able to continue into this country by sailing in under the flags of ships from other countries and I do not believe the public will accept that either.

"I have made my views clear to Essar and have asked them to confirm that they will not take any disciplinary action against employees who refuse to handle this cargo as a matter of conscience."

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Comments

CO Jones

At 11:48 on 5th March 2022, CO Jones commented:

Let's be honest, the only way this will end is for regime overthrow in Russia. That will only come if a significant part of the population is determined to end the tyranny. Which will only come from severe sanctions and quickly including stopping buying anything from his country including oil and gas. Immediately and irrespective of the impact on the West. We need to deal with it.

Lighting up buildings with blue and yellow lights, seizing super yachts from oligarchs. He is laughing at us.

How far are you prepared to go to make an impact?

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Rob Ward

At 17:38 on 5th March 2022, Rob Ward commented:

It seems that Putin prepared for sanctions, but he is probably surprised at our unity, and by some of the sanctions. I hope Europe stops buying his oil and gas, but the price will go up hugely. I wrote to Justin Madders suggesting that the cost of sanctions could come from increased income tax, paid by people like me who can afford it (not from National Insurance which retired people don't pay). The minimum wage and benefits should be increased, to help people most affected by dearer fuel and food. We sent a donation to the appeal to help refugees. I'm sure many Neston people will give what they can afford. We must not let Putin win!

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It's only me

At 12:14 on 7th March 2022, It's only me commented:

Workers are refusing to unload Russian oil from a German-flagged ship which is moored at a major British oil refinery.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite Union, said they had informed the company that "Unite workers at the facility will under no circumstances unload any Russian oil regardless of the nationality of the vessel which delivers it".

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Dennis L

At 11:15 on 16th March 2022, Dennis L commented:

We desperately need the oil so there is no point in cutting off our noses to spite our faces. Think again Unite but by all means obey Gov. legal requirements.

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CO Jones

At 13:27 on 16th March 2022, CO Jones commented:

I disagree and so do many others who are prepared to make many sacrifices in the immediate, medium and longer term to destabilise the Putin regime. It would be good if the Government acted quicker and the rest of the world.

I honestly could not care less about economic impacts in this country including on myself. This is the most important conflict in my 53 years on the planet and I fought for 22 years in numerous pointless conflicts.

Switch of the rest of the world to Russia and get some Russian insurrection fermented to overthrow the regime. Or confiscate some more yachts from gangsters...

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