Media: The training ship Shtandart has gotten caught up in the complicated web of sanctions

The historic training ship Shtandart, a replica of the first frigate of the Russian Baltic fleet, has gotten caught up in the complicated web of sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Currently sailing under the Cook Islands flag, the Shtandart won’t be able to take part in the Iacobus Maris Experience happening in Vigo this week due to restrictions on ships flying the Russian flag, even after its flag change.

Impact of sanctions on the Shtandart

The sanctions against vessels with a Russian flag, implemented on April 16, 2022, by the European Union in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine, have severely affected the operations of the Shtandart. Although the ship has switched to the Cook Islands flag, the European Council emphasized in June 2024 that historical replicas like the Shtandart remain subject to these port sanctions. This situation has limited the ship’s access to European ports, complicating its supply logistics and affecting the training of young crew members from various nationalities, including Europeans, who are on board.

Asier, a young Spanish crew member, describes the difficulties: “This situation leads us to have problems accessing supplies. We have a small dinghy that we use to get to shore while the ship stays anchored. The biggest issue is that the dinghy has limited capacity, which means we have to make a lot of trips.” This testimony illustrates the logistical challenges they face to keep the ship operating in optimal conditions.

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An uncertain future

The future of the Shtandart remains uncertain. The frigate and its crew are currently looking for an anchorage that allows them to get closer to shore to restock supplies and continue their journey. The situation illustrates how international politics and conflicts can impact cultural and educational initiatives, leaving young crew members (including three minors) in a precarious position as they navigate a sea of uncertainties.

Ironically, the Shtandart frigate, which aims to promote education and cultural exchange among youth from different countries, now finds itself stranded in European waters, immersed in a turbulent conflict that goes beyond the waves of the sea, reflecting the complexities and consequences of sanctions in an increasingly interconnected world.

Read the full article on the vigoe.es (in Spanish)