A RUSSIAN ship carrying 20,000 tonnes of highly explosive cargo has been spotted off the UK coast just days after it was refused entry into Norway.

The vessel, known as the Ruby, is currently floating off Margate, on the Kent coast and is now just a few miles from the Thames Estuary.

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The ship is seemingly awaiting permission to enter the Strait of Dover, and is travelling with the assistance of a tugboat.

The Ruby has been seeking a port in which to dock to undergo repairs, having cracked its hull after previously running aground.

But authorities are wary as the Russian vessel is packed with ammonium nitrate, an explosive substance which is also used in fertiliser.

It is understood to be carrying seven times more ammonium nitrate than the amount with sparked an enormous explosion that destroyed part of the Lebanese capital Beirut in 2020.

Just 2,750 tonnes of fertiliser caused the explosion that devastated Beirut four years ago, causing 218 deaths and more than 7,000 injuries.

The Ruby originally set sail from Kandalaksha, on the Kola peninsula in Russia, where the fertiliser was loaded and where it is believed to sustain the damage.

The damaged cargo ship made the decision to stop in Tromso, Norway, on September 3, whilst seeking safety from a storm.

Its propeller, hull, and rudder had been damaged, but following several days authorities insisted the ship leave as fears grew among locals. 

But residents became increasingly concerned at the location the ship was anchored in.

Tromso authorities moved the ship on from its mooring near a major hospital and university, over fears its explosive cargo posed a risk to the city.

After travelling to northern Norway, the vessel was briefly moored near to the Andoya NATO air base, according to global ship tracking website Marine Traffic.

Marine Traffic also reported that the Ruby is now heading to Malta.

But a spokesman for the Maltese transport ministry told local press that without emptying its cargo, it would not be allowed in Maltese waters.

Confirming the Russian ship had asked for servicing help, they said: “The ship will only be allowed to port in Malta if it empties the cargo, if not, it will not be allowed to enter Maltese territorial waters.”

In order to enter the Dover Strait and continue its announced journey to Malta, it must report its presence, including ship condition and any hazardous cargo, to authorities.

Previously, Lithuanian authorities said the ship could only dock in the country if it first offloaded the fertiliser.

Ingrida Simonyte, the Prime Minister of Lithuania stated on September 12 that the Ruby would not be allowed to dock at Klaipėda for repairs, according to local media.

The cargo ship’s background is unclear.

It is currently owned by a Dubai-registered management company, which appears to operate out of the Syrian port of Tartus.

However, records show it has been chartered by another Dubai-registered company with links to Russia.

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