Despite a government ban on Russian weight vessels coming to the UK, a loophole in the new legislation means Russian gas and canvas could still arrive at UK anchorages.
Trade union Unison has said that the loophole means that two tankers; Boris Vilkitsky and Fedor Litke are bound for Grain LNG, with plans to discharge on Sunday.
The union represents nearly 200 workers at the Isle of Grain importation outstation which is possessed by the National Grid.
Grain LNG is the largest terminal in Europe for importing thawed natural gas (LNG). It’s positioned on a 600-acre point on the Isle of Grain near Rochester in Kent.
Despite legislation brought in to stop Russian vessels from wharf in the UK amid ongoing atrocities in Ukraine, the loophole could still allow Russian gas and canvas entering British anchorages.
Accord is calling on Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to confirm that these two vessels will be banned from docking at the Thames Estuary point.
The trade union added that workers working at Grain LNG are angry that they may be asked to discharge the vessels’ loadings. UNISON says they sweat losing their jobs if they refuse once the Boris Vilkitsky and the Fedor Litke have anchored off the Isle of Grain.
Matt Lay, Head of Energy at Unison said “The law passed hastily (the other day) should have made the Boris Vilkitsky and Fedor Litke turn back. But both vessels still feel to be veritably important Kent-bound.
“Grant Shapps must shoot these two vessels packing. He needs to make it clear that all Russian vessels are banned from every UK harborage and terminal.
“The workers at the National Grid terminal don’t want to touch the weight given the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine.
“These staffs are determined to show their support for the Ukrainian people and uphold the warrants assessed against Russia.”