Ammonium Nitrate Cargo, Controversial Cargo Ship Arrives in Africa
A cargo ship carrying nearly 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertilizer has arrived in Africa, stirring global concern. This shipment, which is seven times larger than the amount that caused the devastating explosion in Beirut in 2020, has been the focus of intense media scrutiny. The Malta-flagged vessel, Ruby, faced numerous challenges in finding a safe port after being denied refuge multiple times. The situation raised alarms worldwide, particularly after the ship’s troubled journey began with a storm in Norway.
Journey of the Ruby: From Norway to Africa
The Ruby, a cargo ship weighing 37,000 deadweight tonnes (dwt), initially docked in Tromsø, Norway, after sustaining damage during a storm. Local authorities were alarmed upon discovering the ship’s hazardous cargo. They quickly ordered the vessel to move to a remote offshore location, which sparked media attention in early September. Despite being deemed seaworthy by Malta and DNV, the ship required urgent repairs due to damage to its hull, propeller, and rudder.
After the storm, the Ruby was unable to enter a shipyard in Lithuania until the cargo was offloaded. This restriction led to further complications, as Sweden and Denmark imposed additional limitations on the ship’s movements. Ultimately, the vessel diverted to an anchorage off the coast of England. After much deliberation, Great Yarmouth accepted the Ruby at the end of October, allowing for the transfer of its cargo to a replacement vessel, the Barbados-flagged Zimrida.
The Zimrida arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on December 30, after making a provisioning stop in the Canary Islands. This marked the end of a tumultuous journey for the ammonium nitrate, which had originally been destined for Brazil. The cargo’s arrival in Africa, however, did not come without controversy, as local officials in Great Yarmouth had even considered evacuating the city when contamination concerns arose.
UK is Latest to Track Movement of Cargo Ship Laden with Ammonium Nitrate
Environmental Concerns and Political Controversy
The ammonium nitrate cargo has raised significant environmental concerns. Reports indicated that the ship’s fuel had leaked, contaminating approximately 300 tonnes of the fertilizer. Although the ammonium nitrate was stable and properly packed, contamination can increase the risks associated with handling such materials. In a carefully orchestrated operation, the Ruby disposed of the contaminated fertilizer in the North Sea, igniting a new wave of controversy and complaints from environmentalists.
Media outlets labeled the cargo as a “Russian bomb,” reflecting the heightened fears surrounding its potential dangers. The shipping company clarified that the fertilizer was intended for Brazil, but the cargo’s unexpected journey ended in Africa. The Ruby quietly departed Great Yarmouth on December 5 and is currently undergoing repairs at the port of Tyne in England.
This incident has highlighted the complexities of maritime transport involving hazardous materials. It raises questions about safety protocols and the responsibilities of shipping companies, flag states, and port authorities. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed to prevent future occurrences.
