Russian-linked ship with massive explosive cargo stranded in Norway
A ship linked to Russia has become stranded in Norwegian waters, carrying a cargo of explosive materials. Onboard the ship are 22,046 tonnes of explosive ammonium nitrate, which is seven times larger than the amount that caused the Beirut explosion four years ago, killing at least 200 people.
According to the vessel tracking website Marinetraffic.com, on Sunday afternoon, the MV Ruby was in international waters in the Skagerrak Strait between Norway and Denmark.
The Danish Maritime Administration ordered the captain to procure the services of a maritime pilot to help navigate the ship through the shallow and narrow Danish straits. The request for such assistance was made on Friday. Ultimately, this route became obsolete. "The reason for the change is the need to find a place where it will be possible to unload the ship of dangerous goods," Danish Maritime Administration officials emphasized in an email sent to TV2.
As reported by the Swedish newspaper Goeteborgs-Posten, the port in Goeteborg refused to accept the ship due to safety concerns. Sweden argued that the ports in these cities are located near populated areas.
Earlier, Lithuanian authorities also did not agree to allow the vessel carrying explosive material to enter their waters. The Lithuanian government refused to let the ship dock as long as it was carrying the explosive cargo.
Ship linked to Russia
According to the Danish newspaper Information and the investigative collective Danwatch, a Lebanese company owned by Syrians control the Ruby, but it carries cargo from Russia. It is registered in Malta.
The vessel, heading to the port of Las Palmas in Mallorca, set sail from the Russian port of Kandalaksha in the Murmansk region but became stranded. Despite this, the ship travelled 1,600 km with damage before reaching Tromsø in northern Norway, where it was denied entry.
Inspection revealed six defects, including cracks in the hull and damage to the propeller and rudder. Irregularities in the crew's sailing permits were also found. The ship must use a tugboat.
The Danish Maritime Authority is overseeing the fate of the Ruby. Many experts have warned of the dangers, especially since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Ships linked to the Kremlin, including cargo and oil tankers, often violate sanctions.
Experts noted that the ship was near a NATO base and oil and gas installations. These actions could also be part of hybrid warfare. Russia might attempt to intimidate and observe how Nordic countries react when a ship approaches important sites.
"The goal is probably more to test the authorities' reaction," assesses Danish analyst Jacob Kaarsbo of the think tank Europe, who calls the ship "suspicious."
