A cargo ship carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate fertiliser—ten times the amount that caused the 2020 Beirut explosion—is anchored off the Kent coast, raising concerns about safety and environmental risks. The ship, identified as the MV Ruby, is registered under the Maltese flag and set off from Russia last month. It has since been rejected from multiple ports due to damage and the explosive nature of its cargo.
The MV Ruby reportedly sustained hull, rudder, and propeller damage during a storm while passing the Norwegian coast. Initial attempts to dock in Norway and divert to the Baltic Sea were rejected, leading the vessel to anchor off the coast of Kent, near Margate and Ramsgate, awaiting safe passage to Malta. However, Malta has declared that it will not allow the ship to enter its waters unless the dangerous cargo is unloaded first.
Safety and Environmental Risks
The ammonium nitrate cargo poses a significant danger, as ammonium nitrate can become highly explosive when mixed with other materials. The ship is currently anchored just a few miles from the location of the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War II-era munitions ship containing around 1,400 tons of unexploded ordnance. Authorities are concerned about the proximity of the two ships and the potentially catastrophic effects if the fertilizer were to ignite.
The explosion in Beirut in 2020, which resulted in over 200 deaths and caused widespread destruction, involved only 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate. The MV Ruby carries 20,000 tons, which experts warn could have an exponentially more devastating impact if an explosion were to occur.
Authorities, including the UK Coast Guard, are monitoring the ship closely. Chief Superintendent Darren O’Callaghan emphasized that such vessels must be carefully handled to avoid risks to both the local community and shipping in the busy English Channel. The ship’s condition and its location in congested international waters make the situation particularly complex.
Concerns Over Safety and Response
Defence experts and analysts have raised concerns about the possibility of the ship being used for nefarious purposes, given its Russian cargo origin and the suspicious sailing pattern. Analysts suggest that the ship may be testing the response capabilities of European coastal authorities, adding another layer of concern amid the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West.
According to maritime law, as the ship is in international waters, the UK and other countries are limited in their ability to intervene. However, with plans to navigate through the English Channel—a vital passage for global shipping—officials are on high alert.
The environmental damage that could be caused by ammonium nitrate leaking from the ship is another critical concern. Experts have pointed out that any leakage could significantly impact marine life and require long-term cleanup efforts.
Attempts to Secure Safe Passage
Authorities are currently trying to find a port willing to accept the ship, unload the cargo, and make the necessary repairs to the vessel. No port has yet been found willing to accept the risk, given the hazardous condition of both the ship and its cargo. Until a port can be secured, the MV Ruby remains an orphan ship, floating just outside British territorial waters, as officials hope for a resolution that minimizes the risks posed to coastal communities and international shipping.
Residents of Kent have been advised to remain calm as authorities continue to closely monitor the situation. The UK government has confirmed that strict protocols are in place to ensure the safety of local communities and maritime traffic.
As the ship remains anchored, attention has turned to international coordination efforts to address the ongoing issue. Defence experts stress the need for a coordinated European response to prevent a potential disaster.
This developing situation serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by international shipping and hazardous cargo, particularly during times of heightened political tension. Authorities will continue to work towards finding a solution that ensures safety and minimizes risks for all involved.
