Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport, declared that the federal government has plans to ban Russian-registered or owned ships and fishing vessels in the internal waters and at Canadian ports.
The port of Vancouver said that the number of Russian-flagged ships calling is minimal, with Canada keeping an eye on three vessels flying the Russian flag off the East Coast, one of these is a cargo vessel, a government official informed Reuters.
Canada is also scrutinizing the holdings of Russian oligarchs and enterprises in the country, Chrystia Freeland, the Finance Minister informed reporters, saying that a strict review is being done and everything is on the table.
This move comes after the decision by the UK and Gibraltar to ban Russian ships from their ports. Regarding the UK, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, said in a letter to all UK ports that Russian vessels would not be allowed to enter any UK ports and any vessel thought to be owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by any person connected with Russia should be barred.
As for Gibraltar, it will not provide access to Gibraltar Port, or any services, supplies or facilities provided by or from Gibraltar Port, to any ship that is:
- Owned, controlled, chartered or operated by any person connected with Russia;
- Owned, controlled, chartered or operated by Designated Persons;
- Flying the Russian flag;
- Registered in Russia;
- Carrying any load or cargo which is in the ownership of or destined to be delivered to any persons connected with Russia or Designated Persons.
