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We have read the open letter written by the Russian citizen Vladimir Martus, skipper of the Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255) to Aberdeen Port Authorities.
His account does not present a fair vision of the situation. Having spent three years investigating this complex case of sanctions evasion, we are confident that we can provide you with a well-researched and evidenced demonstration of why the Shtandart is relevant to UK port sanctions.
Backed by Moscow’s propaganda outlets and press, the sanctioned Russian ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255) is stepping up its provocations and fuelling Putin’s hybrid war aimed at destabilising Western countries. Despite being banned from UK and EU ports, the ship intends to force its way into the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races, due to take place from 19 to 22 July 2025. This threat should not be underestimated. Recent events have demonstrated the Russian vessel’s capacity to cause significant damage to maritime celebrations. So far, only Spain has managed to deal with it.
The sanctioned Russian vessel Shtandart (MMSI 518999255 ), sailing under the Cook Islands flag of convenience since 6 June 2024, is currently en route to Aberdeen where it is prohibited from entering according to the port authorities. Since 13 July 2025 at 19:15 UTC it has been calling at Inverie, Loch Nevis. It is moored at the Ferry terminal.
I recently read in « The Press and Journal » the article about the Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen. I am deeply concerned about the presence of a vessel that could cause considerable harm to this gathering. This is the Russian ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255), which has been banned from ports in Great Britain, Norway, and the European Union due to sanctions.
On 8 July 2025, several observers questioned why the Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), a Russian-sanctioned vessel, was sailing northwards along the coast while fleeing Killiney, near Dublin. Both Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder show that it stopped overnight in Clogherhead.
The positions of the shadow Russian sailing ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255), flying the flag of the Cook Islands since 6 July 2024, are no longer visible on Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder.
It appears that the Russian skipper and hidden owner of the vessel, Vladimir Martus, has disconnected the AIS (Automatic Identification System) to conceal his route, anchorages and any stopovers. The ship’s last known position was N52°50’39.49 W005°45’35.11 at 10:30 UTC on 6 July 2025.
The Russian propaganda ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255) is expected to dock very soon, today or tomorrow, in Dublin. However, it may also call at other Irish ports. We alert the Irish authorities so that they can prevent this fraud relating to European sanctions in their ports and territorial waters.
This summer, the Russian propaganda ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255) is offering illegal cruises to various destinations. During its voyage to Aberdeen (2–20 July 2025), it is expected to dock in Dublin. However, it may also call at other Irish ports. We alert the Irish authorities so that they can prevent this fraud relating to European sanctions in their ports and territorial waters.
This summer, the Russian propaganda ship Shtandart is offering illegal cruises to various destinations, including France, the UK, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. During its voyage from Saint-Malo to Aberdeen (2–20 July 2025), it is expected to dock in Dublin. However, it may also call at other Irish ports. We must collectively stand up to this fraud and put an end to it.
The Shtandart, a Russian propaganda ship, is scheduled to make numerous illegal stopovers in British ports in July 2025. The Secretary of State for Transport, the maritime authorities and the coastguard will be alerted to enforce the restrictive measures taken in response to Russia’s genocidal invasion of Ukraine.
The "Shtandart" In Europe