Greenpeace protestors block Russian diesel tanker in Essex
Fifteen people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass
Last updated 16th May 2022
Police have made a further seven arrests following reports of people gaining access to Navigator Terminals in Grays.
This comes after eight Greenpeace protestors were arrested earlier this morning after the arrival of a tanker said to be carrying Russian diesel was blocked in Essex.
All were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass.
Protesters occupied a jetty where a 33,000-tonne shipment of Russian diesel was due to berth, forcing it to turn around in the Thames.
Police say the site has now been cleared of people.
Greenpeace said 12 activists gained access to Navigator Terminals in Grays in Essex and climbed onto the jetty late on Sunday.
The campaign group was protesting the UK Government allowing fossil fuel money to flow to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Essex Police said officers were called to reports of people gaining access to the terminal shortly after 11.05pm on Sunday.
During the protest, some occupied the jetty to prevent the tanker from docking, and one hung off the jetty.
They unfurled a banner reading: “Oil fuels war”
Greenpeace said the 183-metre-long vessel was due to offload at 11.59pm on Sunday.
The UK is "funding a war” says Greenpeace
Georgia Whitaker, oil and gas campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: “The UK’s attachment to fossil fuels has backfired in the worst way possible – we’re funding a war, our energy bills and fuel costs are sky-high, and we’re driving the climate crisis.
“It has to stop.
“Putin invaded Ukraine nearly three months ago, and yet fossil fuel money from the UK is still funding his war chest.
“Ministers have kicked a ban on Russian oil imports to the end of the year despite strong public support for it.
“To stand up to Putin, bring bills down and tackle climate change, the Prime Minister must get us off fossil fuels as fast as possible, stop ludicrous energy waste from our substandard draughty homes, and prioritise cheap, clean, homegrown renewable power.”
The Government has already banned Russian-owned, operated or flagged ships from entering the UK, but there is nothing stopping a vessel owned from elsewhere, from coming to the UK with Russian oil.
The tanker heading to the Essex terminal travels under a Greek flag, but is carrying fuels from the Russian port of Primorsk, Greenpeace said.
An Essex Police spokesman said officers are at Navigator Terminals and “working to resolve the situation quickly and safely”.
“Policing is not anti-protest, but we must intervene where there is a risk to life or where there is a suspicion laws are being broken,” the spokesman said.
“We are hoping this will be resolved safely and swiftly so that our officers can get back to protecting and serving the people of Essex.”