A Russian Cargo Ship Was Turned Away From a Port in Maine

Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions or personal experiences.

This is definitely one of those news stories that hits too close to home no matter where you live in the United States. But truthfully, being right here in New England and in the Seacoast, there's a bit of a chill when you think about it, at least for me.

According to the Eastport Port Authority, just a few days ago, on March 3, a Russian cargo ship carrying 8,000 tons of a petroleum-derived product was denied a request to enter our US waters and dock there.  Eastport, Maine is the easternmost tip of the United States.

I want to add that I don't know anything about the cargo ship's captain, crew, or where they stand on President Vladimir Putin of Russia ordering his troops to invade Ukraine. However, the situation as a whole is why this feels like an 'oh wow' moment, at least for me, considering we know it's extremely unpopular.

According to the New England News Press, the request from this cargo ship, which sails under the Russian flag, came after the Canadian government turned it away from a port on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

According to the Eastport Port Authority Executive Director, Chris Gardner, this was a last minute request and there are a myriad of reasons that Gardner turned the docking request down, including it not being in the best interest to entertain the vessel.

The New England News Press says the cargo ship, called The Fesco Ulis, is classified as a general cargo ship and was carrying a petroleum product called solid pitch, which is used in manufacturing.