The Ruby, carrying the Maltese flag, is heading towards the English Channel with a load of 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used as a fertilizer but highly explosive under certain conditions. The ship’s condition is a cause for concern among British authorities due to several factors, including its structural integrity and the absence of a secure docking agreement.
Having departed in late August 2024 from the Russian port of Kandalaksha, the Ruby was originally bound for the port of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. However, during the journey, the ship encountered a violent storm, which caused significant damage to its structure. Cracks appeared in the hull, and the propeller and rudder sustained damage, forcing the Ruby to seek refuge in various North European ports. Nevertheless, due to the dangerous nature of its cargo, the ship was denied entry by the port authorities of multiple countries.
As of the end of September, the Ruby is anchored about 15 miles off the coast of Kent, near Margate, under the close supervision of the British Coast Guard. To ensure safety in British waters, a tugboat accompanies the vessel, ready to intervene in case of emergency. The presence of ammonium nitrate in such a large quantity—about seven times the amount that caused the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020—has heightened alert levels among both local and international authorities.
The Ruby's theoretical final destination is the port of Marsaxlokk, Malta, with an expected arrival on October 8. However, Maltese authorities have already stated that there is no official docking request for the ship. Additionally, Malta has made it clear that entry into its waters will only be permitted if the dangerous cargo is offloaded before arrival. This situation leaves the ship in a state of uncertainty as it continues its journey along some of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
