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Friday, Sep 11, 2026
Outside the box.
MV Ruby: A Potentially Explosive Ship Stranded at Sea
The MV Ruby, carrying 20,000 tonnes of potentially explosive ammonium nitrate, has been refused entry by European ports after departing Russia six weeks ago. Currently 14 miles off the coast of Kent in England, the ship's drift raises security concerns, echoing the Beirut explosion of 2020. Managed by a UAE company, it remains in limbo as permission is sought to safely offload its cargo and make repairs.
The MV Ruby, a Maltese-registered cargo ship, has been adrift at sea for six weeks after departing from the Russian port of Kandalaksha.
It carries 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, raising alarm due to its explosive potential if improperly stored.
This is the same chemical responsible for the Beirut explosion in 2020.
The ship's damage and cargo have led to denial of entry at several European ports, including Sweden and Lithuania, due to security concerns.
The MV Ruby remains 14 miles off Kent’s coast in England, unable to dock for repairs.
Managed by UAE-based Serenity Shipping, the vessel's journey has sparked fears of potential Russian sabotage, with no port willing to risk allowing it to dock.
Despite refuelling at sea, its future remains uncertain as its managers seek approval to transfer the cargo and conduct repairs.
It carries 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, raising alarm due to its explosive potential if improperly stored.
This is the same chemical responsible for the Beirut explosion in 2020.
The ship's damage and cargo have led to denial of entry at several European ports, including Sweden and Lithuania, due to security concerns.
The MV Ruby remains 14 miles off Kent’s coast in England, unable to dock for repairs.
Managed by UAE-based Serenity Shipping, the vessel's journey has sparked fears of potential Russian sabotage, with no port willing to risk allowing it to dock.
Despite refuelling at sea, its future remains uncertain as its managers seek approval to transfer the cargo and conduct repairs.