Denmark Sets Restrictions for Transit of Ammonium Nitrate Laden Vessel
Ongoing Concerns for the Bulker Ruby and Its Dangerous Cargo
The story of the bulker ship Ruby continues as authorities in Northern Europe keep a close eye on its movements. The situation remains uncertain because the ship is carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, a material that can be very dangerous under certain conditions. This amount is seven times more than what caused the huge explosion in Beirut in 2020.
On Friday, September 20, Ruby arrived near Denmark and said it was heading to Klaipeda, Lithuania, for repairs. The ship’s hull cracked during a storm in the Arctic at the end of August, which was confirmed by an inspection in Norway. Reports also say that the rudder and propeller are damaged.
Ruby has been anchored near the Skagerrak, which is the first part of the journey around Denmark into the Baltic Sea. The ship has been there for about 48 hours, with a tugboat named Amber II, also from Malta, helping it. Earlier in the week, Ruby sent out a message saying it was “not under command,” which likely meant it was being towed by the tug.
The Swedish Coast Guard thinks Ruby might be waiting for further instructions from its managers. The ship, which is owned by Syrian interests, is operated by a company based in the UAE. Both Danish and Swedish officials believe the managers are working on a plan to unload the cargo, so Ruby was told to wait south of Norway.
The Danish Maritime Authority is aware of Ruby and has put restrictions on it, making it harder for the ship to move. According to local media, the vessel must travel with a Danish pilot on board and be accompanied by a tug. As of late Sunday, Ruby had not yet requested a pilot, even though it was expected to make the journey over the weekend.
Swedish authorities are also keeping track of the ship. They have issued a warning to all ships in the area, advising them to keep their distance from Ruby during its transit. The current risk from the ship is low, according to the Swedish Coast Guard, who believe that the rules for transporting dangerous materials are being followed.
Previously, the Lithuanian government stated that Ruby could not enter Klaipeda unless it unloaded its cargo first. The Western Shipyard in Klaipeda is ready to repair the vessel.
Ruby has been in this situation since August. It loaded its cargo in Russia and was originally headed to the Canary Islands when it ran into a storm and sought shelter in Norway. It was allowed to dock in Tromsø but was later told to move to a remote area outside the city due to its dangerous cargo. Unconfirmed reports in Lithuanian media said the owners tried to unload the cargo in Norway so Ruby could go for repairs. Authorities in Malta, where the ship is registered, along with its class society and insurers, are working to find a solution to the situation.
