Ship with dangerous cargo from Russia entered English Channel
Ship with dangerous cargo from Russia entered English Channel (photo: Getty Images)
A cargo ship with 20 thousand tons of explosive cargo entered the English Channel. It has already been denied access to the dock by several ports, reports BFM TV.
The Maltese cargo ship MV Ruby, which is carrying 20,000 tons of potentially explosive ammonium nitrate, is currently sailing in the English Channel after several ports denied it access to the dock. The reason was damage it sustained while transporting explosive cargo.
Having sustained a number of damages, the vessel is a matter of concern for the authorities of different countries, as well as for some experts. It is known that the vessel, owned by a Maltese company, is carrying a Russian cargo of ammonium nitrate.
On August 22, the vessel was caught in a severe storm while leaving the Russian city of Kandalaksha and was forced to stop in a Norwegian port.
But, according to the Center for European Policy Analysis, the cargo ship was ordered to leave the port on September 4. It then asked to dock in Lithuania, but the country refused.
Why ports refuse
Although ammonium nitrate is regularly used as a fertilizer, it is also used in the production of explosives.
“Ammonium nitrate is extremely explosive, especially when exposed to fire or contamination,” emphasizes the Center for European Policy Analysis.
At the same time, Paul Poulain, an industrial risk management specialist, mentioned the danger of this cargo.
“This is a floating bomb... In my opinion, it is a threat to maritime safety and the coastal population, and to minimize the risk, we will have to consider pumping small amounts of ammonium nitrate on small boats,” he said.
