UK,
The cargo ship Ruby, registered in Malta and carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, continues to attract international attention. After being denied entry to several European ports due to concerns over its damaged hull and hazardous cargo, the vessel is currently anchored off the coast of Kent, England.
UK maritime authorities have confirmed Ruby is anchored securely outside UK territorial waters, awaiting refueling before proceeding through the English Channel. The ship, managed by a UAE-based company, had been damaged during an Arctic storm, prompting multiple countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Lithuania, to refuse entry. The cargo, destined for the Canary Islands, has raised safety concerns despite reassurances from officials that it poses minimal risk of explosion.
Ruby’s flag state, Malta, and its classification society DNV have stipulated that the vessel should travel under the escort of a tug due to damage sustained to its hull and propulsion system. The Maltese authorities have also indicated that they will not accept the ship into port without offloading its dangerous cargo first. The ship’s future remains uncertain as efforts continue to find a solution, including the possibility of transferring the cargo to smaller vessels for storage.
By Priyadharshini
