Kathrine Frich
Before reaching Ireland, the Standard was denied entry to French ports.
Before reaching Ireland, the Standard was denied entry to French ports.
Under EU Sanctions
A Russian sailing ship under EU sanctions sparked controversy after docking in Ireland without authorisation.
The vessel, named Standard, entered Port Oriel on July 9, breaching European restrictions tied to the war in Ukraine.
A Ship Steeped in Symbolism
The Standard is no ordinary ship, it’s a replica of Tsar Peter the Great’s first naval vessel from 1703.
Once a showcase of Russian maritime pride, it’s now at the center of a diplomatic storm for ignoring sanctions and sailing into EU waters.
France Refused Entry, Ireland Was Next
Before reaching Ireland, the Standard was denied entry to French ports.
With nowhere else to turn, it changed course and headed for Irish shores, despite being explicitly banned from entering any EU port under current sanctions.
No Clearance, No Contact
The ship entered Port Oriel without notifying or requesting clearance from Irish authorities.
The unscheduled arrival triggered an immediate response from the Irish Coast Guard, which launched an investigation into procedural violations.
Official Probe Underway
The Irish Coast Guard is now investigating the incident as a possible breach of maritime protocols.
The ship’s arrival without prior permission may also constitute a violation of EU sanctions.
Tensions Rise as Ukrainians Cry Propaganda
Ukrainian officials and activists accused the Standard‘s crew of using the ship as a platform to spread Russian propaganda.
With the war still raging, the vessel’s presence in a European port was seen by many as deeply provocative.
The Captain Speaks Out: “I Oppose the War”
In a statement to The Irish Times, the ship’s captain rejected the propaganda claims.
He insisted he opposes President Putin and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and said the crew had no political motives, only a desire to take part in the Tall Ships Race in Scotland.
Scotland Was the Intended Destination
According to the captain, the Standard had planned to join the Tall Ships Race in Scotland.
The event brings together historical sailing vessels from around the world, but being sanctioned, the Standard was effectively barred from European participation.
A Breach of Sanctions or Bureaucratic Blunder?
Whether the ship’s entry was a deliberate defiance or a logistical misstep remains unclear.
But for EU authorities, the event raises serious concerns about how maritime sanctions are enforced. and how they can be sidestepped.
