MV Ruby Finally Permitted to Dock at Great Yarmouth Port

After facing restrictions for weeks, the MV Ruby is set to dock at the Port of Great Yarmouth in the UK on October 28, following damage sustained in early September. The vessel had been scrutinized and denied entry at several ports due to its cargo—20,000 tons of hazardous ammonium nitrate.

The MV Ruby initially arrived at Tromsø, Norway, where it sought refuge after its hull and propeller were damaged during severe weather. However, due to the potentially dangerous nature of the cargo, the ship was not permitted to remain in the port. A subsequent request for entry at Klaipeda was also turned down.

Ammonium nitrate is commonly used as a fertilizer, but it can become highly explosive under certain conditions. The potential risks associated with the substance were highlighted by the 2020 Beirut explosion, which was caused by approximately 2,750 tons of the same compound. For comparison, the MV Ruby is transporting 20,000 tons.

Since September, the vessel has remained anchored safely off the coast of Margate. Now, it has been granted permission to dock at Great Yarmouth by the UK Government and the Ministry of Transport. 

Richard Goffin, the port’s director, confirmed that Great Yarmouth is well-equipped to handle hazardous cargo. He noted that the transshipment of dangerous chemicals is a routine procedure across the port's network.