The MV Ruby ship to dock in the Port of Great Yarmouth

Richard Goffin, the port's director, has confirmed the MV Ruby will bring its load of ammonium nitrate to the Norfolk coast today despite weeks of debate.

Ammonium nitrate is generally safe to handle - but a storage facility holding almost 3,000 tonnes of it was linked to a major explosion which killed more than 200 people in Beirut in 2020.

It is believed that the load was improperly stored, which caused it to decay and become extremely reactive.

The MV Ruby - which sails under the flag of Malta - was loaded in Russia in late August.

In September, its hull and propeller were damaged during adverse weather conditions and repairs can only been completed with the cargo unloaded.

The ship initially sought refuge in Europe but was turned away from docks in both Norway and Latvia.

It was temporarily held at a spot 11 miles off the coast of Kent, which sparked local MP Sir Roger Gale to call a meeting with the shipping minister Mike Kane. 

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Sir Roger raised his constituents' concerns but left feeling reassured that the cargo posed no threat.

On Sunday evening, Mr Goffin issued a statement addressing the ship's scheduled trip to Great Yarmouth.

“The Port of Great Yarmouth will safely welcome the MV Ruby on October 28, in order to fulfil our obligations as Statutory Harbour Authority and assist the vessel with transhipment of its cargo," he said.

Richard Goffin, pictured in 2016 (Image: James Bass)

“Aligned to the UK Government and The Department for Transport’s approval of the MV Ruby entering UK waters, Peel Ports Group will take the responsibility of accommodating the vessel in a suitable berth under the strictest of safety measures.

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

“We take our responsibilities as Statutory Harbour Authority incredibly seriously and work closely with the relevant regulatory bodies to maintain full compliance. 

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