Vessel carrying explosive cargo from Russia, denied access to European ports, sails into English Channel

A Maltese cargo ship carrying explosives from Russia, which had been turned away by multiple European ports over security concerns, has entered the English Channel.

Source: French news broadcast television and radio network BFMTV, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Maltese-registered MV Ruby, loaded with 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, is sailing across the English Channel off the coast of the UK, and several countries are concerned about its presence there.

The 183-metre-long vessel's troubles began after departing from the port of Kandalaksha on the White Sea on 22 August, carrying Russian ammonium nitrate. A severe storm inflicted significant damage, forcing the ship to make a stop at a Norwegian port. However, it was ordered to leave on 4 September. The crew later sought permission to dock in Lithuania for repairs, but their request was denied.

Ports are reluctant to accept the ship due to a combination of its technical issues and the hazardous nature of its cargo.

Notably, ammonium nitrate was the cause of the massive explosion at the port of Beirut in August 2020, which inflicted widespread devastation across the city. The cargo aboard MV Ruby is approximately seven times larger than the amount that detonated in the Lebanese capital.

Experts have described the ship as a "floating explosive," highlighting its serious risk to maritime safety and public security. However, some believe the concerns surrounding the vessel are exaggerated.

The French maritime prefecture overseeing the situation in the English Channel has stated that it is closely monitoring the ship's movements and is fully aware of all developments.

"We are in direct contact with the UK side and the owner of the vessel, which will allow us to intervene extremely quickly if necessary," said the prefecture’s spokesman Étienne Baggio. He added that there are no plans for the vessel to call at French ports.

Meanwhile, Malta, where the ship is heading, has issued a warning that the vessel will not be allowed to dock with such cargo.

Background: Earlier, MV Ruby had been waiting for permission to sail through Danish waters for some time, which required the presence of a local pilot.

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