Cargo Ship Docks in Tromsø with 20,000 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate

Cargo vessel Ruby, registered in Malta, arrived at Tromsø harbor in Norway after sustaining hull damage from running aground. The incident raised significant concerns as the ship was carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, a substance known for its explosive potential.

The 37,309 DWT Ruby had been transporting the cargo from Kandalaksha, Russia, to the Canary Islands. The vessel departed from Kandalaksha on August 22, but after suffering damage to its hull and propeller and encountering adverse weather, the ship sought refuge in calmer waters, eventually reaching Tromsø on September 1.

Due to the hazardous nature of the cargo, multiple agencies have been involved in managing the situation. These include the Norwegian police, Tromsø harbor authorities, the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB), the Norwegian Maritime Authority, and the Norwegian Coastal Administration.

Authorities have decided to relocate the vessel from Tromsø harbor to an anchorage, though the exact location is still being determined. The ship is expected to undergo temporary repairs before being towed to another location.

Ammonium nitrate is widely used as a fertilizer, but it is also known for its explosive capabilities. While the chemical is generally stable at room temperature, it can become highly volatile under certain conditions, such as exposure to heat, pressure, or an ignition source. Once heated, ammonium nitrate can undergo a runaway reaction, releasing gasses and heat that may lead to an explosion.

A notable comparison is the catastrophic explosion in Beirut in 2020, which was caused by the improper storage of around 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate alongside fireworks. The explosion, one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history, pales in comparison to the 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate currently aboard the Ruby.