A Maltese-flagged cargo ship, the Ruby, is currently navigating through UK waters while carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a potentially explosive fertiliser.
According to BBC, the vessel has been rejected by several countries due to the hazardous nature of its cargo. It set sail from the northern Russian port of Kandalaksha in July and has been in contact with HM Coastguard, which is closely monitoring its progress. After encountering a storm early in its journey, the Ruby briefly ran aground but was subsequently inspected by Norway’s Maritime Authority.
Although some damage was found to its hull, propeller, and rudder, the vessel was deemed “seaworthy.” As a precaution, it is being escorted by a tug. Despite safety assurances, authorities in Sweden and Lithuania have banned the ship from entering their waters.
Currently anchored off the coast of Kent, near the Dover Strait, the Ruby is headed for Marsaxlokk, Malta, BBC reports. However, Maltese authorities have stated that the ship can only enter their waters if it offloads its cargo first.
This situation raises concerns, especially given the catastrophic 2020 explosion in Beirut caused by ammonium nitrate, which was seven times less in quantity than what the Ruby carries, BBC highlights.
