One of the tall ships scheduled to take part in the 2025 Tall Ships Races has been denied entry to Aberdeen Harbour, just days before the event begins. The TS Shtandart, a replica of an 18th-century Russian frigate, has been excluded from this year’s race on the grounds that it is captained by a Russian-born individual.
The decision, made in line with the UK’s Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022, comes despite the fact that the ship is now registered under the Cook Islands flag and its captain, Vladimir Martus, has been a long-term resident and taxpayer in Germany for more than a decade. The Shtandart, which was a Russian-registered vessel until June 2024, had been due to take part in the Aberdeen leg of the international event, which returns to the Granite City for the first time since 1997.
In response to the decision, the operators of the Shtandart issued an open letter to Aberdeen Harbour Board, criticising the move and calling it unjust. They claim no opportunity was given to provide documentation or challenge the interpretation of the legislation.
“The sail training ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen,” the letter states. “We find this decision to be unjust and made without proper investigation. No opportunity was given for us to present evidence or documentation.”
The letter emphasises that the ship is no longer Russian-flagged and is owned by a Finnish citizen, operated by a German company, and crewed by an international team. It further notes that the vessel has not visited Russia in over 15 years and carries no political message.
“This ship is not a threat,” the letter continues. “It is a symbol of what the Tall Ships Races are meant to represent: a floating classroom, an ambassador of peace, a bridge between generations and nations.”
Since its launch, the Shtandart has welcomed nearly 10,000 young people from over 50 countries, offering training in seamanship, teamwork and intercultural cooperation.
Sail Training International, which organises the Tall Ships Races, confirmed that Shtandart had been due to take part in Race 4 between Kristiansand and Esbjerg but was denied entry to both ports due to existing legislation. As a result, its participation in the 2025 programme has been cancelled. While acknowledging the challenging situation, the organisation stated it remains committed to upholding national and international rulings.
“Aberdeen was not a confirmed stop for the ship,” a spokesperson for Sail Training International said. “We recognise the captain’s and his crew’s commitment to promoting youth development and fostering international understanding, but we also fully respect the rulings of the higher national and international authorities.”
Despite the exclusion, the Tall Ships Races are set to begin in Aberdeen on Saturday 19 July, with nearly 50 vessels arriving in the city from around the world. The four-day event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visits and will include free ship tours, live music, family-friendly activities and a range of educational programmes.
TS Shtandart’s Open Letter to Aberdeen Port Authorities
“Regarding the Denial of Port Entry to TS Shtandart in Aberdeen
14 July 2025To Whom It May Concern,
The sail training ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen. As a result, the ship and her crew have been excluded from the list of participants in the 2025 Tall Ships Races.
In Case You Missed it:
We have learned of this decision by the Aberdeen Harbour Board with deep regret and disappointment.
The explanation given refers vaguely to “Regulation 57A” of the Russia (Sanctions) Regulations. We find this decision to be unjust and made without proper investigation. No opportunity was given for us to present evidence or documentation.”
The full open letter from the TS Shtandart can be read here: https://shtandart.eu/open-letter-to-aberdeen-port-authorities-and-the-public
