Controversy Surrounds Return of Ship Carrying Explosive Cargo to Port

Local council officials have labeled the return of a vessel carrying thousands of tonnes of potentially explosive fertilizer to a port as “unacceptable.” The MV Ruby, which sustained storm damage, reached Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in October. Its cargo, consisting of 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, was in the process of being transferred to a different ship. Norfolk County Council has accused Transport Secretary Louise Haigh of approving the vessel’s re-entry into the outer harbour, following the discharge of a portion of its cargo at sea. A spokesperson for the government stated that Haigh lacked any legal grounds to prevent the ship’s movement, given that the appropriate safety protocols had been observed. In a prior joint statement, Kay Mason Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council, and Graham Plant, deputy leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, expressed: “We are extremely concerned that the secretary of state’s representative has agreed that this ship can return to Great Yarmouth.” They continued: “That is unacceptable. It should never have come in the first place, due to the potential risk of a major explosion that could have affected residents and businesses across Great Yarmouth.” The statement concluded: “On behalf of the people of Yarmouth, we urge the government to halt the return of the MV Ruby.” A representative from the Department for Transport commented: “The port and vessel operator have carried out an operation, with advice from the Maritime Coastguard Authority and the Health & Safety Executive, and are content that the MV Ruby and its cargo meet safety standards.” The spokesperson added: “We continue to support the agencies involved, as well as the local authority.” They further stated: “The decision to allow the MV Ruby back into Great Yarmouth port was a commercial one, agreed between the ship operator and the port.” Norfolk County Council additionally asserted that the MV Ruby had departed the port to offload a quantity of contaminated fertilizer into the sea. The government spokesperson further remarked: “Ammonium nitrate is not a persistent chemical, and with sufficient dilution, it will dissipate without leaving a trace.” Richard Goffin, the port director for the Port of Great Yarmouth, stated: “Fertiliser is a normal cargo that is handled in bulk at ports up and down the country every single day. “There would be no UK agriculture without it.” He continued: “We have performed our duty as a port to help a vessel in distress, and its crew, by providing a safe haven.” Goffin added: “Everything we have done has been in accordance with guidance and direction received from the Secretary of State’s representatives and the Health and Safety Executive, as well as discussions with many other public agencies, including Norfolk County Council.” The remaining portion of the cargo is anticipated to be moved to the MV Zimrida, currently docked at an adjacent berth, in the upcoming days. For updates on Norfolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.