Ruby Denied Entry: 20,000 Tons Of Explosive Cargo On Board

Cargo ship loaded with containers in blue ocean.

A cargo ship carrying 20,000 tons of potentially explosive ammonium nitrate is stranded off the UK coast, raising concerns about safety and environmental risks.

At a Glance

  • The Maltese-flagged cargo ship Ruby is carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, a potentially explosive fertilizer
  • The ship has been rejected by several NATO countries due to safety concerns
  • Ruby was previously damaged but inspected and approved by DNV Group
  • The ship is currently anchored outside UK territorial waters, waiting to refuel
  • Concerns have been raised about potential environmental damage if the cargo leaks

A Floating Bomb Off the UK Coast

The Maltese-flagged cargo ship Ruby, carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, has become a maritime pariah as it sails through UK waters. The vessel, which set off from Kandalaksha, Russia, in July, has faced rejection from multiple ports due to its potentially hazardous cargo. Initially bound for Klaipeda, Lithuania, the ship was denied entry and has since been struggling to find a port willing to accommodate it for repairs and refueling.

The situation has raised alarm bells across NATO territories, with authorities in Lithuania and reportedly Sweden banning the ship from entering their waters. The Ruby is currently anchored 15 miles off Margate in international waters, waiting to refuel at sea before attempting to pass through the English Channel.

Safety Concerns and Port Rejections

The Ruby’s journey has been fraught with challenges since it suffered damage shortly after leaving port six weeks ago. Although temporary repairs were made in Tromso, Norway, and the ship was cleared to return to sea under escort by tugs, no ports have agreed to allow the vessel entry for permanent repairs or to transfer its cargo.

“A Maltese-flagged cargo ship carrying thousands of tonnes of potentially explosive fertiliser is set to travel through UK waters,” reports the BBC.

The ship’s cargo of ammonium nitrate, while regularly transported as fertilizer, is also used in explosives and was infamously involved in the 2020 Beirut explosion. This has led to the Ruby being dubbed a “floating bomb” by some media outlets, despite assurances from the ship’s owners that it poses no immediate threat.

Environmental and Safety Risks

Concerns have been raised about potential environmental damage if the ammonium nitrate were to leak into the sea. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has stated that the vessel has appropriate safety certificates and is capable of making its own way. However, the proximity of Ruby to the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery, a sunken WWII ship with unexploded ordnance, has added to the anxiety surrounding the situation.

“While I understand the caution of the authorities in Tromsø, I suspect that the chances of a similar disaster to Beirut are relatively modest,” an expert told the BBC.

Chemical weapons defense expert Dan Kaszeta offered some reassurance, stating, “It needs a lot of odd circumstances to be a hazard, like being stored poorly in Beirut with a bunch of fireworks.” Nevertheless, the sheer volume of ammonium nitrate on board—seven times the amount that caused the Beirut blast—continues to raise concerns among authorities and the public alike.

A Maritime Dilemma

The Ruby’s predicament has been described by logistics experts as a “huge challenge” and likened to a “Gordian knot.” With no ports willing to accept the ship for necessary repairs, the vessel’s final destination remains uncertain. Its current listed destination is Marsaxlokk, Malta, but Maltese authorities have stipulated that the cargo must be emptied before entry is granted.

“The MV Ruby will only be allowed to enter Malta if it unloads its cargo. Otherwise, it will be barred from Maltese territorial waters,” a spokesperson for the Maltese transport ministry told local media.

As the Ruby continues its uncertain journey, authorities and maritime experts are working to find a solution that balances safety concerns with the practical need to repair and refuel the vessel. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges faced in international shipping, especially when dealing with potentially hazardous materials.

Sources:

  1. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62g95721leo
  2. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/stranded-ship-with-explosive-cargo-poses-no-threat-owners-313950/
  3. https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/russian-floating-bomb-stranded-off-uk-coast-after-multiple-port-rejections/
  4. https://www.ft.com/content/612414be-00d2-4ce1-a15e-b452eb4b03b4
  5. https://maritime-executive.com/article/uk-is-latest-to-track-movement-of-cargo-ship-laden-with-ammonium-nitrate
  6. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/27/the-ruby-russian-fertiliser-explosive-bomb-boat-kent-coast/
  7. https://cepa.org/article/floating-megabomb-heaves-to-near-the-english-coast/
  8. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/ship-packed-with-explosive-russian-fertiliser-floating-off-kent-ww5rmlx38
  9. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62g95721leo
  10. https://theloadstar.com/baltic-ports-bar-damaged-ruby-now-in-the-channel-due-to-dangerous-cargo/