MV Ruby ship docks in Great Yarmouth with 'explosive' cargo

The MV Ruby is carrying ammonium nitrate which will eventually be moved to another vessel in the town's harbour.

She had been anchored about 11 miles off the coast of Margate in Kent while awaiting repairs to its hull and propeller, which were damaged in bad weather last month.

The Maltese-registered boat had initially set off from the northern Russian port of Kandalaksha in July and was supposed to be taking the cargo to Africa before becoming damaged.

The MV Ruby cargo ship docked at Great Yarmouth (Image: Bruno Brown) The arrival of the giant ship, which is 183 metres long and nearly 28 metres wide, has sparked concern among many in Great Yarmouth who are fearful that the load it is carrying is unsafe.

She is carrying more than seven times the amount of ammonium nitrate involved in an explosion in the port of Beirut in 2020 which killed 218 people and injured a further 7,000.

READ MORE: Work at former Pontins site back under way after concerns construction had ceased

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

Richard Goffin (Image: James Bass) 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."

READ MORE: Alicat Workboats in Great Yarmouth secures £2m boatbuilding contract

Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe welcomed the "ambitious project" as a positive thing for the town and congratulated the port for taking it on.MP Rupert Lowe (Image: PA/MAJA SMIEJKOWSKA) He said: “This material is perfectly safe if handled correctly, which it will be.

“It’s positive that Great Yarmouth has the facilities to handle such a vessel, and we should be advertising our capabilities even further - all credit to Peel Ports for taking on this ambitious project.

“We need more jobs, more investment, more growth. Let’s send a message - Great Yarmouth is open for business.”

John Wright, Gorleston NCI Coastwatch volunteer, looking at the MV Ruby cargo ship through his binoculars (Image: Bruno Brown) John Wright, is a volunteer at Gorleston Coastwatch, which watches the ships enter and leave the port each day.

READ MORE: Norfolk's most sewage ridden beach among spots to benefit from £75m funding bid

He said: "It is very normal for large cargo, carrying all sorts of materials, hazardous or not, to be coming into the port," Mr Wright said.

"We see it day after day and it is brilliant that Great Yarmouth has the capability and facilities here to welcome these large ships into dock.

"Having eyes on the coast keeps our country safe, we are all volunteers here, and are so proud and passionate to do this."

The Health and Safety Executive and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service have been involved in the arrival process.

The MV Ruby cargo ship docked at Great Yarmouth (Image: Bruno Brown) The MV Ruby cargo ship docked at Great Yarmouth (Image: Bruno Brown)