Controversy Erupts Over Cargo Ship Carrying Ammonium Nitrate in UK Waters

The Malta-flagged cargo ship, Ruby, carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, has sparked controversy once again after briefly leaving port at Great Yarmouth in the UK. Local officials expressed concerns about the safety of the cargo, which is seven times the amount that caused the explosion in Beirut in August 2020. Media reports suggested that a portion of the cargo was contaminated, making it less stable and potentially more dangerous. The ship briefly went to sea for “operational reasons” and allegedly dumped some of its cargo offshore before returning to continue offloading.

Environmentalists raised alarms about the toxic nature of ammonium nitrate when exposed to seawater, warning of potential harm to marine life. Despite criticisms, the Department for Transport defended the decision to dock the ship, stating that safety standards were being met and there was no legal basis to refuse entry. The plan involved offloading the cargo onto another bulker managed by Serenity Shipping, with reports indicating that some of the cargo had already been transferred between the ships.

The Ruby’s journey has been marked by international scrutiny, with Norwegian authorities ordering the ship to leave Tromsø due to safety concerns. Several countries imposed restrictions on the vessel, citing damage to its hull, rudder, and propeller. The ship’s managers expressed frustration over media attention and misrepresentations of the cargo, emphasizing that the transfer should have been routine. Despite challenges, the offloading process at Great Yarmouth continued, with inspectors monitoring the operation to ensure safety.

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