Vessel Discharges 300 Tonnes of ‘Explosive’ Cargo into North Sea

The BBC has been informed that approximately 300 tonnes of cargo, described as potentially explosive, were discharged by a vessel into the North Sea. The MV Ruby executed this operation near the coast of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, due to concerns that its ammonium nitrate fertiliser cargo might have been tainted with fuel oil. This disposal action has generated strong objections from both environmental groups and businesses in the area. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported the discovery of “hydrocarbons and seawater” on the bags containing the substance. According to the agency, the bags were probably compromised when the vessel ran aground and sustained hull damage some weeks prior. The agency further stated that the material was released within UK territorial waters at a site “that offered the lowest environmental impacts”. A spokesperson indicated that the compromised load was located in the foremost of the ship’s four cargo holds. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes that a combination of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil is frequently employed as an explosive. The vessel departed from Kandalaksha, located in northern Russia, during July. This Malta-registered ship had previously been denied entry to the territorial waters of multiple European nations. Prior to this, it had been anchored approximately 11 miles (17km) off Margate, Kent, while awaiting repairs to its hull and propeller, which had sustained damage due to adverse weather conditions. Following the dumping operation conducted on Saturday, the ship is presently engaged in transferring its remaining cargo to a different vessel at the Great Yarmouth docks. The vessel’s return to the port provoked criticism from local council leaders, although the government maintained that all appropriate procedures were adhered to. In response to a BBC inquiry regarding whether the potentially contaminated fertiliser presented an elevated risk of explosion or fire, the HSE affirmed that it did. The HSE stated: “Contamination of ammonium nitrate is generally expected to increase the likelihood of an explosion if that ammonium nitrate is subject to a severe fire and/or an intense shock”. The Department for Transport (DfT) indicated that the cargo was safely released into the sea, a choice made by the ship’s master for safety reasons. A spokesperson for the DfT further commented: “The port and ship operator have carried out an operation, with advice from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Health & Safety Executive and environmental regulators. “All are content that the MV Ruby and its cargo meet safety standards.” Ben Garrod, a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of East Anglia, expressed that the dumping would inflict a “devastating impact on local maritime species”. He remarked, “I see this a massive loss to our local community because we’re dumping pollution into our local environment.” While the Maritime and Coastguard Agency asserted that the substance would dissipate, Professor Garrod countered: “Yes, everything dissipates eventually but that’s not without massive detriment to our local environment.” Paul Williams, a fisherman and restaurant owner operating out of Great Yarmouth, commented that this incident occurred “at the worst of times”. He explained, “We are right in the middle of the herring season when all the herring come down here to spawn,” further noting that other marine organisms also consume these fish. He rejected the government’s assurances regarding the safe discharge of the material. He concluded, “It’s all part of the ecosystem.” “This really shouldn’t be happening. It’s awful.” The Dubai-based company managing the ship has been contacted for a statement. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency had previously stated that a “small quantity of contaminated cargo was found on the MV Ruby”, which was subsequently removed successfully. The agency further stated: “A decision was reached between the ship owner and port operator to allow the vessel to return to Great Yarmouth port to continue transferring its remaining safe cargo.” 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 content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.