A damaged Malta-flagged vessel carrying explosive Russian cargo is en route to Malta despite government denials.
The Malta-registered MV Ruby is loaded with 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate from Russia, which is the same type of material that caused the largest man-made non-nuclear explosion ever in Beirut on 4 August 2020, which cost the lives of 218 people.
The Ruby has almost seven times as much ammonium nitrate on board as that which exploded at the time.
“If this ship were to explode, it would be by far the largest accident involving ammonium nitrate in history,” Newsweek quoted explosives expert Roland Alford as saying. “The explosive power of this amount of ammonium nitrate is roughly equivalent to the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima.”
Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, and Denmark have rejected the vessel as it sought refuge for repairs after it was damaged by a storm en route from Russia. The ship sustained damage to its propeller, hull, and rudder.
Tracking data shows the vessel is due to reach Malta on 8 October. It is being assisted by another Malta-flagged anchor-handling vessel, Amber II.
The vessel, Ruby, is en route to Malta. Photo: Vessel Finder.
The Transport Minister said the vessel would be denied entry unless it disposed of its cargo. Yet, according to its Automatic Identification System (AIS), the vessel has not changed course. On Tuesday, the ship requested permission to enter Malta.
Ritzau news agency reported that the Danish Maritime Authority instructed the ship to sail to Malta to unload its cargo before continuing its journey for repairs at a nearby shipyard after refusing permission to sail through Danish waters.
Several countries bordering the North and Baltic Seas are closely monitoring the vessel’s route because of its cargo. The Maltese government said it was communicating with the ship’s crew.
Ammonium nitrate is primarily used as a main component of fertilizers but can also be used as an explosive. The fact that it departed from Russia has raised suspicions.
Maltese flag, where should it stop?
Tow it to the middle of the Atlantic and blow it up.
South Africa had no choice but to do this in late 70s. A ship carrying this cargo was taken out deep beyond any chance of injury and she was torpedoed with full shipment on board by sa and Australian navies.
No other ports want to touch it!
Syrian owner(s) and crew, explosive Russian cargo, looking to enter an EU port (allegedly for repairs)… what could possibly go wrong?
Will the shit hit the Fan A!
Look at the “Halifax “ a ship carrying explosives from Canada blew up. Destroyed entire city of Halifax, molten iron from ship Rained down. Over 20 000 dead 200 000 injuries; Halifax was flattened,
Someone is exaggerating. 2000 casualties and 9000 injured
Have no idea why the hassle and bustle about this. Malta gets deliveries of the same product.
20,000 tons in one go , equivalent to the Hiroshima Atom Bomb if it blows up?
Malta imported 210 tons in 2012 , for those who think that 20,000 tons are ok , because Malta already import Ammonium Nitrate.Jingo please note.
It is quite regularly transported as open cargo and distributed openly. What is different with this particular ship? No one explains except that it is Russian. Wow! Does that make it blow up quicker? Or is it a sanction on an unsanctioned product? When the US buys the fertilizer, it is transported in the same way. So I haven’t understood what is special about this one to make it to many news outlets.
Bejn il kliem u il fatti, hemm bahar jikumbatti – anything Russia.
However, possible safety concerns or issues that this shipment could cause, may antagonize Malta and the Maltese enough to reconsider their respective stance on Russia, just like Finland and Sweden.
In the same quatities?
Should be serviced far away from our shores. Online available data it is en route to Marsaxlokk by 11th Oct 8pm!!!!