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Damaged ship with fertiliser cargo 'poses no risk'

Andrew Turner/BBC The MV Ruby ship docked in Great Yarmouth. The large cargo ship sits next to a docking station.Andrew Turner/BBC
The MV Ruby ship has been docked at the Port of Great Yarmouth

A damaged cargo ship carrying potentially explosive fertiliser has docked at a UK port.

The MV Ruby's cargo of 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate will be moved to another vessel at Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

It was previously anchored about 11 miles (17km) off the coast of Margate in Kent awaiting repairs to its hull and propeller, which were damaged in bad weather last month.

The vessel's management company Serenity Ship Management said the load posed "no risk to the surrounding area in its present state".

Malcolm Cranfield The MV Ruby anchored off the coast of Kent.Malcolm Cranfield
The MV Ruby had been anchored off the coast of Kent awaiting repairs

Port director Richard Goffin said: "The Port of Great Yarmouth has the capability to handle hazardous materials and the discharge and transhipment of such materials and cargo is common practice across our port group.

"Our team is well-versed in implementing rigorous safety protocols and we strictly adhere to all UK safety regulations and international maritime standards.

"Our role is to ensure that the MV Ruby is able to safely discharge and continue with its onward journey."

The Maltese-registered vessel set off from the northern Russian port of Kandalaksha in July.

Andrew Turner/BBC An entrance sign into the Port of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. Is shows a white sign with red and black letters. An entrance gate can be seen in the distance.Andrew Turner/BBC
Great Yarmouth port will assist the ship with its cargo before it is repaired

The cargo was originally destined for Africa, according to Sir Roger Gale, the MP for Herne Bay and Sandwich in Kent, and once it is removed the ship will be repaired.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said it was aware of the ship and had been working with partners in recent days to understand any risk.

"We continue to work closely with the port authority," a spokesperson added.

The Health and Safety Executive said it had offered advice to the port and was "providing technical support to other government departments in relation to their regulatory roles".

Andrew Turner reports from Great Yarmouth where a ship with a hazardous cargo has docked.

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