A Maltese-flagged cargo ship, Ruby, laden with 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, is en route through UK waters after being rejected by multiple countries due to safety concerns over its potentially explosive cargo. The vessel, owned by Ruby Enterprise, departed from Kandalaksha, Russia, in July and is currently being monitored by HM Coastguard as it navigates the North Sea near Kent.
The National Maritime Emergency Service is keeping a close watch on the Ruby, which carries seven times the amount of ammonium nitrate linked to the devastating Beirut explosion in 2020. Although the chemical is commonly used as fertilizer, it also has explosive applications.
Following a brief grounding incident and inspections revealing damage to its hull, propeller, and rudder, the ship was deemed seaworthy but continues to travel with an escort tug. Despite these precautions, authorities in Sweden and Lithuania have barred the Ruby from their waters. Its final destination is Marsaxlokk, Malta, but local authorities state it must offload its cargo before entry.