Dangerous Russian Fertiliser Dumped in North Sea Off Norfolk Coast

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A significant load of contaminated Russian fertiliser, deemed potentially explosive, was disposed of in the North Sea off the Norfolk coast. This startling development was revealed by a council leader following concerns over the ship transporting the cargo, dubbed a "floating time bomb."  

 

The MV Ruby, carrying a 20,000-tonne load of ammonium nitrate, arrived in Great Yarmouth on October 28 after being turned away by ports in Norway and Lithuania. The fertiliser was deemed hazardous after sustaining damage at sea, and contamination further complicated efforts to offload it safely.  

 

Ammonium nitrate, highly soluble in seawater, poses a risk of eutrophication—an ecological phenomenon where algae bloom excessively, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life. Notably, the ship's cargo was seven times greater than the 2,750 tonnes that caused the catastrophic Beirut explosion in 2020, which killed 218 people. That incident, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, resulted from improper storage of ammonium nitrate.  

 

Despite initial plans to transfer the cargo to another vessel for safety reasons, a portion of the contaminated fertiliser was dumped just beyond the 12-mile international waters limit. Ship tracker data revealed the MV Ruby spent over 30 hours circling the sea before returning to Great Yarmouth’s port on Monday to resume operations.  

 

A spokesperson for the shipping firm stated, "The MV Ruby left port briefly for operational reasons but has since returned and the transhipment of cargo to another vessel is ongoing."  

 

Richard Goffin, Port Director at Great Yarmouth, defended the port’s actions, saying, "We have performed our duty as a port to help a vessel in distress, and its crew, by providing a safe haven. Everything we have done has been in accordance with guidance and direction received from the Secretary of State’s representatives and the Health and Safety Executive, as well as discussions with many other public agencies, including Norfolk County Council."  

 

The Maltese-registered MV Ruby had departed from the Russian port of Kandalaksha in late August, destined for Africa. However, the ship ran aground, damaging its propeller, rudder, and hull. Seeking repairs, it docked in Tromso, Norway, but was forced to leave amid growing public anxiety.

 

Residents, concerned about the risks posed by the ship’s dangerous cargo, protested its proximity to a university, hospital, and residential areas.  

 

The MV Ruby faced further rejection in Lithuania before anchoring in the English Channel. Eventually, it was granted permission to dock in Great Yarmouth, a decision welcomed by the town’s new Reform MP Rupert Lowe.  

 

While a second vessel is set to transport the remaining cargo to its destination, the MV Ruby will undergo repairs at a separate dry dock. The incident highlights the perils of transporting hazardous materials, especially under compromised conditions, and raises broader environmental and safety concerns surrounding ammonium nitrate handling.  

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-11-20

 

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

I suppose that if the ship had not been offered "safe haven" in Great Yarmouth, and the opportunity to transfer this cargo under controlled supervised conditions, then much more damage would have occurred if it had sank 12 miles out.

 

Mind you, the bills for docking under such conditions and subsequently dry docking will be substantial - any bets as to whether the MV Ruby will ever sail again, or just languish alongside until seized and scrapped - although if the vessel is contaminated that itself will be an expensive undertaking!

Edited 1 hour ago by herfiehandbag

[john donson]

on the way to thailand?

[impulse]

Can't say I blame any port for declining the cargo, especially if it was compromised in any way.  An ammonium nitrate explosion killed about 600 people in Texas City in 1947.

 

https://texascitytx.gov/464/First-Explosion

https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/texas-city-disaster

 

Edit:  And apparently, the SS Grandcamp only had 2300 tons loaded when it went off.  I can't imagine 8x that amount.

 

Edited 58 minutes ago by impulse

[harryviking]

THis ship should have been anchored outside a Russian port and DETONATED THERE!!!