The Russian ship ‘Shtandart’, which is subject to sanctions, has been docked in La Rochelle since 7 p.m. on Thursday, 14 August 2025.

Patrice Bernier, dock master at La Rochelle marina, is one of the three key figures behind the installation of the Shtandart in the Charente city, after the European Council’s vote on sanctions. During another illegal stopover by the Russian ship, he was reminded of European regulations. He was also sent the recent formal notice addressed to the prefect, Brice Blondel.

To:
Mr. Patrice Bernier
Dock Master
Harbour Office
1 Rue de l’Armide
17000 La Rochelle
bernier@portlarochelle.com
capitainerie@portlarochelle.com

Copies :

• European Commission
• Prefect of Charente-Maritime
• Ceclant Premar Atlantique
• Charente-Maritime territorial intelligence
• Press

15 August 2025

Mr. Patrice Bernier,

The Shtandart (MMSI 518999255) has been back at berth in La Rochelle’s ‘bassin des Chalutiers’ since 7 p.m. on Thursday, 14 August 2025. I would like to emphasise that this is yet another violation of Article 3 ea of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 by the Russian vessel under sanctions.

For anyone who seriously considers this matter, it is clear that paragraph 4 of the aforementioned article does not apply in this case.

I would also like to point out that the Shtandart entered French territorial waters on 2 August 2025 and would have had plenty of time to reach a port in a country not subject to sanctions. This was therefore a deliberate choice on the part of the captain and Russian ship’s hidden owner.

This case is nearing its conclusion, supported by the unambiguous positions taken in less than two months by the prefectures of Côtes-d’Armor, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Manche, as well as by Jersey, Ireland, Great Britain, Norway, and Denmark. In addition, we are in regular contact with the European Commission regarding the Shtandart. It is following this case closely.

For your information, please find below a copy of the formal notice sent to Mr Brice Blondel, Prefect of Charente-Maritime.

Regards

Bernard Grua

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Formal notice – request for a prefectural order prohibiting access to the ports of Charente-Maritime for the Russian vessel ‘Shtandart’

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