William Eichler 19 November 2024

Councillors demand action over ship with explosive material

Councillors demand action over ship with explosive material image
Image: Kev Gregory / Shutterstock.com.

The decision to allow the MV Ruby, a ship carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, to return to Great Yarmouth was ‘unacceptable’ due to the risk of a ‘major explosion’, councillors warn.

The ship, which sustained storm damage, had some of its cargo offloaded at sea before docking to transfer the remaining load to another vessel.

Norfolk County Council leader, Kay Mason-Billig, and Great Yarmouth Borough Council deputy leader, Graham Plant, said they were ‘extremely concerned’ that Transport Secretary Louise Haigh’s representative had agreed to allow the ship to return to the port.

In a joint statement, they said: ‘It should never have come in the first place, due to the potential risk of a major explosion that could have affected residents and businesses across Great Yarmouth. On behalf of the people of Yarmouth, we urge the Government to halt the return of the MV Ruby.’

A Government spokesperson said: ‘The port and vessel operator have carried out an operation, with advice from the Maritime Coastguard Agency and the Health & Safety Executive, and are content that the MV Ruby and its cargo meet safety standards.’

They added that there is no legal basis upon which the Transport Secretary, or her representative, could have refused entry where all safety requirements have been met.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Team Leader - Financial Services

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be joining a friendly, welcoming and supportive Finance team. Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Library and Customer Assistant - WMF3038e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,183 (pro rata)
Are you looking for a role where you can make a real difference? Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Lead Compliance Officer - WMF2113e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£55,119 - £57,362
Predominantly a rural county world famous for its stunning scenery Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Chef

NHS Orkney
Band 3 (£28,011 - £30,230)
As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is driven by a bold vision Orkney and Shetland
Recuriter: NHS Orkney

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner