The US is considering following Canada in barring Russian ships from U.S. ports, a government official said on March 2, while no decision has been made.
Earlier this week, Canada shut its ports to Russian-owned ships and barred them from Canadian waters. Now, the U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that the Biden administration could take further action against Russia after the administration announced it would bar Russian airlines from U.S. airspace.
Speaking at a U.S. Senate panel, noted that:
There may be other steps that would be appropriate that are within our authorities. There are a number of things with regard to infrastructure and certainly with regard to travel that we need to look at as a way to make good on our commitment to support the Ukrainian people
In addition, when asked by Reuters after the hearing if the United States could follow Canada’s action, Buttigieg said:
“There are lots of things on the table. I can’t share anything right now by way of news on that
However, he explained that the United States is not just talking to Ukraine, but also to Canada and other countries “to make sure there is a consistent flow of information about what different countries are considering. Obviously, these measures have different impacts.”
Buttigieg said Ukrainian officials had asked the United States to impose the ban.
Two more countries, have taken similar decisions.
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.
