Displaying items by tag: Gazprom

17th October 2013

Greenpeace Disrupts Yacht Backed By Russian Oil Giant

#Protest - Greenpeace protestors got up close and personal with a yacht backed by Russia's state oil giant competing in last weekend's Barcolana Regatta in Trieste, Italy.

A photo posted on the Greenpeace International Facebook page shows a RIB carrying a number of protestors right up alongside the Esimit Europa, bearing a banner that reads 'Get Out Of The Arctic' and the hashtag #FreeTheArctic30.

The slogan and hashtag make reference to both the yacht's main sponsor, Russian state-controlled energy giant Gazprom, and the 30 Greenpeace members arrested last month by Russian authorities while attempting to board a Gazprom oil platform in the Arctic.

The Guardian reports that the so-called 'Arctic 30' have been charged with piracy - an outcome described as "irrational, absurd and an outrage" by the environmental action group - and that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed her concerns to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an official statement on Greenpeace's disruption of the regatta, Esimit Europa representatives said they were "very sorry that the 45th Barcolana Regatta was hurt by the events that took place on the second buoy and later on at the original finish line.

"We felt endangered. Our goal was only to provide our guests and staff a safe passage to the harbour.

"We would also like to thank the Italian police authorities and the Guardia di Finanza for their intervention at protecting the sailing field of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht and contribution to its safe passage towards the harbour."

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.