A ship carrying a highly volatile cargo, the MV Ruby, has been anchored near the UK coast after several European ports denied it entry over safety concerns.
20,000 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate
Departing from Kandalaksha, Russia, in the summer of 2023, the vessel encountered significant technical issues, including a hull crack and damaged propeller, leaving it stranded and searching for a safe harbor.
Fears of a Beirut-like catastrophe, caused by the ammonium nitrate on board, have prevented European countries, including Norway, Lithuania, and Malta, from allowing the ship to dock, according to URA.
The MV Ruby, built in 2012, is a Maltese-registered vessel operated by Serenity Shipping, a UAE-based company.
It currently holds 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, an amount seven times greater than the quantity that caused the 2020 Beirut explosion, which killed 190 people and devastated Lebanon’s primary port.
The Ruby has been anchored approximately 14 miles from Kent’s southeastern coastline since last month, and the situation has drawn international concern.
Concerns for Safety Protocols
Ammonium nitrate, a key component in agricultural fertilizers, is notorious for its explosive potential under certain conditions, especially when improperly stored.
The 2020 Beirut explosion served as a grim reminder of these dangers. On August 4, 2020, a fire sparked the detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate in the Lebanese port, resulting in an explosion estimated to have the force of 1,500 tons of TNT.
The blast created a crater over 140 feet deep, destroyed Beirut’s main port, and severely damaged nearby neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and hospitals. Hundreds of thousands of residents were left homeless, and damages surpassed $15 billion.
The Ruby’s continued presence in UK waters raises concerns over safety protocols for hazardous materials, as international authorities deliberate on the safest course of action.
