German authorities are monitoring a ship between Denmark and Sweden which, according to media reports, is loaded with 20,000 tons of explosive ammonium nitrate and is unable to maneuver. As the “Welt” newspaper reports, the freighter “Ruby” is being towed by a tugboat through the Kattegat towards the Danish Baltic Sea. When asked by the German Press Agency, the Maritime Accident Command confirmed that the responsible authorities in the Maritime Safety Center have been informed, are monitoring the ship and will take action if necessary.
It is currently speculation whether the freighter is being towed towards the German coast. The emergency command has not provided any information about the ship’s previous route. The command has also not confirmed that the cargo may be explosive.
The Norwegian newspaper “The Barents Observer” reported at the beginning of September that the “Ruby” had left the Russian port of Kandalaksha in August, bound for the Canary Islands. However, off the Norwegian coast, the freighter flying the Maltese flag had encountered a storm and had to seek a safe harbor. After spending some time in the port of Tromsø, the ship was then asked to leave the port and head for a position where it could be repaired at anchor.
Chemical is thought to be the cause of the Beirut disaster
The highly explosive chemical ammonium nitrate is considered to be the cause of the explosion disaster in the port of the Lebanese capital Beirut in August 2020. Large quantities of the chemical had been improperly stored in the port for years. More than 200 people lost their lives.
The Maritime Security Center of the Federal Government and the Coastal States brings together all authorities responsible for maritime security. In addition to the Central Command for Maritime Accidents, these include the Navy, the Federal Police, Customs and the water police of the coastal states. The center is based in Cuxhaven.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240920-930-238710/1
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