Russian dredger denied entry to Lithuania due to sanctions

Lithuania did not allow a Russian-owned dredging vessel to enter the seaport of Klaipeda last week, reports LRT.lt.

According to the Klaipeda Port Authority, the Belizean-flagged dredger Bystraya, which is subject to sanctions, had made several attempts to sail into the port but was refused entry and left for the port in Russia’s Kaliningrad.

“The port was informed twice in February that the dredger was coming to Klaipėda for short-term repairs and refuelling, and the next time, for maintenance and operation work,” the authority said in a statement.

“The ship also tried to enter the port in early March, requesting a port of refuge in stormy weather.”

The dredger Bystraya is on the European Maritime Safety Agency’s list of sanctioned ships.