Killiney, County Dublin – Irish authorities have made official contact with the Shtandart, a sailing training vessel currently anchored off Killiney, County Dublin. The vessel, a replica of a 1703 ship built by Russian Tsar Peter the Great, is suspected of having ties to the Russian government and has raised questions regarding adherence to European Union (EU) sanctions.

The Shtandart, constructed in 1999, sails under the flag of the Cook Islands. However, campaigners assert it is a Russian-operated vessel. The Irish Naval Service hailed the ship this morning to ascertain its intentions. All Russian vessels are prohibited from entering EU ports due to sanctions imposed after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Shtandart currently lacks permission to dock in Ireland. Its stated destination on a ship tracking system is Dundee, Scotland, having sailed from France.

The vessel's presence has generated controversy. Fine Gael TD Barry Ward, representing Dún Laoghaire, has urged Minister of State for the Marine, Timmy Dooley, to intervene for its removal. Ward emphasised the importance of upholding EU sanctions, citing the atrocities carried out by the Russian administration.

Ward highlighted that the Shtandart has been denied entry to several European ports, including Saint-Malo in France. He noted that while the vessel has operated under the Cook Islands flag since June 2024, it previously sailed under a Russian flag. EU sanctions, introduced in April 2022, prohibit port access for Russia-flagged vessels and those reflagged after the invasion of Ukraine.

While acknowledging the ship's right to transit Irish waters, Ward described a "legal grey area." He stated that the vessel has a history of declaring false emergencies, including medical emergencies, to gain extended access to European ports. Ward asserted that such an occurrence should not be permitted in Dún Laoghaire or Dublin, adding that the European Commission has specifically clarified that the Shtandart falls under the scope of existing sanctions. He has formally written to the Minister, characterizing the ship captain's actions as a "clear disregard for EU sanctions" and an unacceptable "arrogance and perception of impunity."

Captain Denies Russian Affiliation

Captain Vladimir Martus, speaking to RTE News, described the attention directed at his vessel as "unfair." He stated that he and his crew are against the actions of Vladimir Putin, and no one on board has expressed support for Russia. Martus maintained that the Shtandart is "simply a replica vessel" and "not a Russian vessel," asserting its dedication to "education, heritage, and human connection." He characterised the vessel as a "homeless child in European waters," fighting for survival.

State Response and Monitoring

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport confirmed that the department is monitoring the Shtandart "on an administrative basis" to ensure compliance with EU "restrictive measures against Russia." The department is aware of the vessel's movements and noted that it has not submitted a pre-arrival notice for entry into an Irish port, a requirement under EU regulations.

Based on third-party information, the department understands the vessel was previously registered under the Russian flag and would therefore fall under restrictive measures. The Department of Transport has contacted ports under its remit on the east coast, including Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort, to reiterate their responsibilities under EU Council Regulation 833/2014. This regulation prohibits providing access to Irish ports and locks for Russian-registered vessels, as well as those that changed their flag or registration from the Russian Federation after February 24, 2022.