A cargo ship named Ruby, carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, sustained damage in a storm and requested to offload its dangerous cargo at Lithuania’s Klaipėda port for repairs.
Lithuanian authorities, concerned about the explosive potential of ammonium nitrate, denied the request to unload the cargo but expressed willingness to allow the ship to dock for repairs if the hazardous material was offloaded elsewhere.
Ammonium nitrate is considered dangerous cargo due to its potential to cause massive explosions under certain conditions. While it’s primarily used as a fertilizer, ammonium nitrate becomes highly volatile when exposed to heat, shock, or contamination with combustible materials like fuel.
The explosive risk arises because ammonium nitrate decomposes rapidly at high temperatures, releasing gases that can trigger a violent explosion if not properly stabilized or stored.
To remind, on 3 September the Ruby sought refuge in Tromsø harbor following damage from grounding.
