Sanctioned Replica Of Russian Ship Makes Unannounced Stop At Irish Port

A Russian-built sailing ship, believed to fall under EU sanctions, docked without prior notice at a small Irish port during the early hours of July 9, 2025.

The vessel, named Shtandart, is a replica of Russia’s first naval flagship built by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. Despite its re-registration under the Cook Islands flag in June 2024, the ship was previously flagged in Russia and is therefore subject to EU sanctions that prohibit Russian vessels or those recently reflagged from entering EU ports.

According to Ireland’s Department of Transport, Shtandart had not submitted a pre-arrival notification, which is mandatory for any port entry under EU maritime law. Nonetheless, the vessel slipped into Port Oriel, a small fishing harbor in Clogherhead, County Louth, at around 1:30 a.m. on July 9. It remained docked for nearly four hours before departing around 5:30 a.m.

Authorities reported that the Irish Coast Guard and gardaí were present at the scene and boarded the vessel. Vladimir Martus, the vessel’s captain, told Irish media that the crew had stopped to collect fresh water with the help of “friendly fishermen.” He claimed that the officials took “a very human approach” and made no issue of the unscheduled stop.

Martus also stated that he had been informed there would be no problem with the brief visit, and that no sanctions breach would be pursued. However, Ireland’s Department of Transport said the matter is under review and that it is awaiting a report from Louth County Council. Officials confirmed that the vessel docked at an “unmonitored pier” without seeking or receiving permission.

The Shtandart, which operates as a training and educational sailing ship, drew public attention and backlash earlier this week when it anchored in Killiney Bay near Dublin on July 7. Crew and supplies were taken to the ship using small boats, leading to protests from Ukrainian support groups in Ireland.

Ukrainian Action in Ireland criticised the vessel’s presence, claiming that it was trying to bypass sanctions under a “convenience flag” and that its operations could serve as soft propaganda for Russia. The group urged Irish authorities to deny the ship entry into all Irish ports, arguing it represented a regime responsible for atrocities in Ukraine.

Irish TD Barry Ward stated that the ship clearly fell under EU sanctions due to its prior Russian registration and that allowing it to dock, even briefly, undermines Ireland’s commitment to standing with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Martus defended his crew and vessel, saying they oppose Putin’s regime and the war in Ukraine. He said that Shtandart is not a political vessel but one dedicated to maritime heritage and education. He described the ship as “a homeless child in European waters, fighting for survival.”

The Irish Naval Service tracked the vessel throughout its time in Irish waters, including a close approach by patrol ship LÉ Aoibhinn. Officials confirmed that monitoring operations were part of regular Maritime Defence and Security Operations.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Shtandart had exited the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone and was sailing toward Aberdeen, Scotland, with 22 people from 12 different nationalities aboard.

Reference: irishtimes

Source: Maritime Shipping News