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.
