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Shipping: Russia

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 1 July 2026UIN 12889

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 24 June 2026 to Question 10468 on Shipping: Russia, what is the cost to the public purse of the detainment of the vessel SMYRTOS at Weymouth anchorage.

Answered by Keir Mather

We are clear that the ship owner remains responsible for the vessel and its crew, including the vessel’s maintenance and the crew’s management.

However, should the ship owner fail in their duties, the Department, as the detaining authority, has contingences in place to ensure our responsibilities towards the vessel and crew during the detention period are met. While this may result in costs to the Department in the future, as of 26 June 2026 the total spend is £0.

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