A vessel carrying 20,000 tonnes of Russian ammonium nitrate has sparked significant concerns among Great Yarmouth residents and raised questions about maritime safety protocols and international trade relations.
The MV Ruby, dubbed the ‘floating bomb’ by locals, arrived at Great Yarmouth port in late October after being refused entry by several European ports. The vessel, carrying seven times the volume of ammonium nitrate involved in the devastating 2020 Beirut explosion, required urgent repairs following storm damage in the Arctic waters.
Local business owners expressed deep concerns about the ship’s presence. Sergio Francisco, owner of Las Palmas café near the port, voiced his apprehension: “We should never have taken it. I don’t understand why we let it dock here.”
The vessel’s journey became increasingly complex after Lithuanian authorities denied entry, citing potential security risks related to Russian interests. Sweden and Malta subsequently followed suit, leaving the ship searching for a willing port.
Maritime experts, however, have dismissed safety concerns as overblown. Richard Meade, editor of Lloyd’s List, emphasised that while the ship was damaged, such situations are not uncommon in international shipping. The vessel’s documentation appeared legitimate, with insurance coverage from the respected West of England Protection & Indemnity Club.
The decision by Peel Ports, owned by property tycoon John Whittaker, to accept the Ruby has generated substantial berthing fees for Great Yarmouth port. The operation received approval from Stephan Hennig, the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention.
The cargo is currently being transferred to another vessel, the Zimrida, for delivery to its original African destination. Despite the controversy, the transport of ammonium nitrate remains legal under current sanctions against Russia, particularly as the cargo is reportedly owned by a non-Russian trading company.
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