Warning of Harsh Penalties for Terminals Importing “Illegal" Russian Diesel

Pressure continues to mount regarding the potential arrival of shipments of Russian diesel fuel to the United States, with the Governor of New Jersey releasing a letter sent to ports and terminal operators. The pressure campaign appears to be having an effect, as the latest tracking shows only one product tanker still bound for the United States.

Governor Mikie Sherrill followed through on her earlier remarks and, on November 2, sent a letter to port and terminal operators in New Jersey warning of likely "harsh penalties" and warning that New Jersey would “use every available legal and regulatory tool” in efforts to stop the arrival of Russian diesel fuel.

The letter warns that the consequences of allowing any vessel containing Russian fuel to unload or purchasing the fuel could subject the operators to “millions of dollars in penalties long after Trump has left office and his corrupt administration has come to an end.”

Sherrill contends that the importation “directly conflicts with federal law.” The letter points out that the U.S. Congress enacted legislation in April 2022 ending the importation of Russian oil and notes that only Congress can repeal the act. The letter asserts the president and executive branch do not have the legal authority to bypass the act of Congress.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →