(Commonwealth_ A Maltese-flagged cargo ship carrying a significant load of potentially explosive fertilizer is set to pass through UK waters. The vessel, named Ruby, is carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a chemical that is widely used as fertilizer but can also be a key ingredient in explosives. While there is no immediate danger from the cargo, ammonium nitrate has been responsible for catastrophic incidents in the past, including the devastating 2020 Beirut explosion. Ruby, which was previously damaged during its voyage, had been rejected by several countries due to concerns about the cargo on board. Despite this, authorities in Norway conducted an inspection of the vessel and declared it seaworthy, allowing the ship to continue its journey. The cargo ship had initially departed from Kandalaksha, a northern Russian port, in July and is now on course to travel through UK waters.
The ship had earlier been escorted by a tug, Amber II, which accompanied the Ruby from Norway to UK waters as a precaution. According to ship-tracking data, the Ruby was spotted in the North Sea off the Kent coast on Thursday morning. HM Coastguard is in contact with the vessel as it continues its passage through UK waters. The national maritime emergency service has stated that it will be monitoring the ship closely throughout its journey. While ships are generally not required to ask permission to pass through UK territorial waters for legitimate purposes, the Ruby’s cargo has drawn heightened attention. The 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate on board is seven times the amount that triggered the Beirut explosion, leading to concerns about the potential risks, despite reassurances from experts.
The vessel’s voyage has been fraught with complications. After departing from Russia, the Ruby ran aground briefly, reportedly due to a storm. It later resumed its journey, traveling around the Kola Peninsula and docking at Tromsø, Norway. Norway’s Maritime Authority inspected the vessel to ensure it met safety and environmental standards. The inspection, conducted by the DNV Group, revealed damage to the ship’s hull, propeller, and rudder. Despite these issues, the ship was declared seaworthy, but authorities insisted that a tugboat escort accompany the vessel for the remainder of its journey. The ship was originally headed for Klaipeda, a port in Lithuania. However, despite being deemed safe for travel, the Ruby was denied entry to Klaipeda due to the nature of its cargo. Algia Latakas, the chief executive of the Klaipeda port authority, confirmed that the rejection was specifically due to the ammonium nitrate on board.
The Maltese firm Ruby Enterprise owns the vessel, which has caused a stir as it makes its way through European waters with cargo that poses significant risks if mishandled. Ammonium nitrate is regularly transported across the globe, and while it is generally considered safe under normal conditions, it becomes hazardous if exposed to fire or intense heat. Andrea Sella, a professor of chemistry at University College London, commented on the situation, stating that the cargo poses little risk as long as there is no fire aboard the ship. “While I understand the caution of the authorities in Tromsø, I suspect that the chances of a similar disaster to Beirut are relatively modest,” she said. Sella also raised questions about the repairs conducted on the vessel, noting that welding, if required during the repairs, could increase the risk of fire. This is particularly concerning given the volatility of ammonium nitrate in such conditions.
