A stranded ship loaded with a volatile chemical has become a floating conundrum for European ports.
The Ruby, a Malta-flagged cargo ship carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, grapples with denied port entries across Europe after sustaining damage, Newsweek reported.
The vessel, named Ruby, embarked from Kandalaksha, Russia, on August 22, destined for Las Palmas in the Atlantic Ocean. However, unforeseen circumstances altered its course dramatically. The Ruby hit a storm, prompting a critical diversion.
On September 3, the crew sought refuge at Tromsø, Norway, posing the first significant challenge to European maritime safety protocols. What seemed a routine port call soon escalated into a full-blown maritime and public safety dilemma.
The safety checks carried out by Port State Control at Tromsø revealed troubling findings. The Ruby had a cracked hull - a serious risk not just to the ship but to any port providing shelter.
Additionally, the inspectors noted expired seafarer employment agreements and deficiencies in the ship’s International Safety Management (ISM) code compliance.
The initial inspection was severe enough to warrant immediate action. Given the enormous quantity of ammonium nitrate aboard—seven times the amount involved in the devastating Beirut explosion of 2020—Norwegian authorities mandated the Ruby depart Tromsø. This decision underscored the cargo's potential danger, especially because of its proximity to populated areas.
The ship did not find succor easily; it was also turned away by Sweden and Lithuania, along with its flag state, Malta. The rejections were a clear indicator of the wide-reaching hesitations concerning the ship's condition and its volatile cargo.
Despite these setbacks, a subsequent inspection organized by DNV and Maltese authorities in Tromsø on September 5 somehow approved Ruby’s condition. Yet, the ship still faced the overarching issue of no country wanting to host it for repairs.
Since October 4, authorities have anchored Ruby off the southeastern coast of England, near Essex, effectively turning the ship into what some media outlets have dubbed a 'floating bomb.'
The ship's Maltese owner and UAE-based manager have contested this ominous label, arguing that such fraught descriptions have exacerbated the logistical nightmares associated with securing a port for repairs.
British authorities, along with the ship’s owner, manager, and insurers including West of England, are now engaged in discussions to resolve the impasse. They face challenges not only in managing the logistics of repair but also in addressing the public and media perception that has quickly escalated fears.
This engagement indicates a potential shift toward finding a resolution, yet the path forward remains layered with diplomatic and logistical complexity. It illustrates the challenges maritime law and international cooperation encounter when dealing with potentially hazardous situations complicated by geopolitical and public relations concerns.
Ruby's predicament raises several questions about international maritime practices and the enforcement of safety protocols. The ability of a ship carrying such a large quantity of hazardous material to depart with structural deficiencies and expired operational licenses is concerning.
Moreover, the incident highlights the critical need for rigorous, transparent, and consistently applied maritime safety and communication standards. Stakeholders must address these issues to prevent similar situations in the future and ensure the safety of port cities.
As authorities keep Ruby moored off England, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between maritime commercial interests and public safety. The resolution of this situation will likely influence future regulatory measures and international maritime agreements.
