MP Denounces North Sea Fertiliser Disposal as “Environmental Terrorism”

A Member of Parliament has characterized the decision to discharge 300 tonnes of fertiliser into the North Sea as “an act of environmental terrorism.” This ammonium nitrate had been aboard the MV Ruby, which had docked in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, but was jettisoned into the sea due to concerns it had become contaminated and posed an explosion risk. Rupert Lowe, the Reform MP for the town, informed Parliament that officials had “excluded from all communications” regarding the dumping operation. In response, Department for Transport (DfT) minister Mike Kane stated that a “full assessment of environment implications and risk was undertaken.” He further added, “The location chosen for disposal was identified as the least sensitive in terms of habitat, flora, fauna and fisheries.” Kane also mentioned that scientific experts had assured him that “ammonium nitrate is not a persistent chemical and that it will dissipate without leaving a trace.” The MV Ruby initially arrived in Great Yarmouth in October, transporting 20,000 tonnes of the fertiliser. The vessel, en route from Russia to Africa, had sustained damage during storms. However, it departed the port to jettison a portion of its cargo because of fears it might explode. Lowe told the Commons that advice suggesting the cargo could be safely unloaded on land was disregarded, and since the fertiliser was contained in plastic bags, he termed it “a shocking, avoidable double-act of environmental terrorism.” He stated: “They will not biodegrade and will float to the surface after a storm, potentially becoming wrapped around a ship’s propeller and shaft, causing extensive damage.” He continued: “Not forgetting the vast ecological damage to young fish, the seabed and the inevitable algal blooms that will follow.” He also indicated his understanding that discussions had occurred regarding the evacuation of Great Yarmouth due to concerns the ship might explode – and that the DfT had instructed local government officials to exclude him from briefings concerning the MV Ruby. In reply, Kane asserted that “the British government treats its duties to the natural environment with the highest seriousness.” He also implied that Lowe was portraying himself as a “victim of conspiracies.” He commented: “Assertions are made that are often outlandish, simply wrong, designed to appeal to malcontents.” A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council stated: “All decisions and communications regarding the MV Ruby were managed by the government, the ship’s owners, Peel Ports [the port’s owners] and the Health and Safety Executive.” The spokesperson also mentioned that Carl Smith, the Conservative council leader, was corresponding with the government because he believed his inquiries had not been addressed.