MV Ruby Ship Loaded With 20,000 Tonnes Of Russian Explosives Runs Aground Off Norway

MV Ruby, sailing under the flag of Malta with 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, was supposed to pass through Danish waters this weekend but is stuck in Norwegian waters.

The ship loaded with Russian explosives has been reported to be at the same spot in waters off Norway, and it seems that the vessel’s plans could change.

On Friday, state-owned pilotage company Dan Pilot informed that a pilot would board the ship on Saturday, but spokeswoman Anne Heinze said there is no longer an order for a pilot with the company.

A pilot is responsible for assisting the ship’s master in navigating risky waters about which they have specialised knowledge.

Per the Danish Maritime Administration, a pilot and a tugboat should be present for ships passing through Danish waters with dangerous cargo.

Not only is the ship loaded with explosives, but it also has a damaged rudder and cracks on the hull. Its cargo is seven times bigger than the one which caused the 2020 Beirut explosion, killing 207 people.

MV Ruby had to pass through the Oresund Strait, which links Denmark and Sweden. However, the strait is not deep enough for the ship, and it is also being denied entry into ports in Norway.

It had run aground on August 22, shortly after leaving the Kandalaksha Port, Russia. However, it continued its journey around Norway’s north to dock in Tromso city.

It was scheduled to go to Lithuania for maintenance, but the government refused to allow this because the vessel was loaded with explosive cargo.

The authorities in Sweden also denied the vessel to dock in Gothenburg and Uddevalla ports which are closer to populated regions.

References: Yahoo, Express.Co

MV Ruby Ship Loaded With 20,000 Tonnes Of Russian Explosives Runs Aground Off Norway appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News