A vessel carrying a potentially dangerous cargo drifts in international waters, sparking concerns among maritime authorities.
Express reported that a Maltese-registered cargo ship named Ruby, laden with 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate from Russia, is currently adrift in the English Channel off the French coast.
The Ruby, a 183-meter-long vessel, picked up its cargo of ammonium nitrate from Russia in August. This chemical compound, while commonly used in agricultural fertilizers, can become highly unstable and explosive under certain conditions. The sheer quantity aboard the Ruby has led to comparisons with the destructive power of an atomic bomb.
French authorities are closely monitoring the ship's movements as it attempts to make its way to Malta. Etienne Baggio, spokesperson for the maritime prefecture of the English Channel, stated that they are in regular contact with the shipowner, who is cooperating with authorities. A tugboat has been dispatched to assist the Ruby in its current anchorage area.
Ammonium Nitrate's Deadly Potential Recalled
The dangers associated with improperly stored ammonium nitrate were tragically demonstrated in Beirut in 2020. A warehouse containing 2,750 tons of the compound exploded, resulting in 235 deaths and over 6,000 injuries. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards posed by Ruby's cargo.
Ammonium nitrate's dual-use nature as both a fertilizer component and an ingredient in mining explosives underscores the importance of proper handling and storage. The Ruby's current situation, with its cargo exposed to the elements and the ship in a compromised state, has heightened concerns among maritime safety experts.
The vessel's troubles began when it encountered a violent storm at sea while en route to Malta. The severe weather caused significant damage to the Ruby's propeller, rudder, and hull, forcing it to seek shelter.
Ports Deny Entry As Safety Concerns Mount
Ruby's attempts to find a safe harbor have been met with rejection from multiple ports. Initially, it sought refuge in the Norwegian port of Tromsø, but officials there turned the vessel away due to safety concerns arising from its damaged condition.
Subsequently, the ship headed to Lithuania but was denied entry to the port in Vilnius. These rejections led to the Ruby's current position in the English Channel, where it remains adrift and closely monitored by French authorities.
Maltese officials have taken a firm stance on the situation, informing the ship's owners that they must offload the ammonium nitrate before being allowed to dock. A statement from Maltese authorities emphasized:
The ship will only be authorised to dock in Malta if it empties its cargo, otherwise it will not be authorised to enter our territorial waters.
International Cooperation And Safety Measures
The situation with the Ruby highlights the need for international cooperation in dealing with maritime emergencies involving dangerous goods. French authorities' continuous monitoring and communication with the ship's owners demonstrate the seriousness with which such incidents are treated.
Maritime safety protocols and regulations regarding the transport of hazardous materials are likely to come under scrutiny in light of this incident. The challenges faced in finding a suitable port for the Ruby underscore the complexities involved in managing ships carrying potentially dangerous cargoes.
Conclusion
The Ruby incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with transporting large quantities of ammonium nitrate by sea. It underscores the importance of proper safety measures, international cooperation, and swift action in addressing maritime emergencies involving hazardous materials. The situation continues to develop as authorities work to ensure the safe resolution of this potentially explosive situation off the French coast.
