The ammonium nitrate aboard Ruby is seven times larger than the amount that caused the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020, raising significant safety concerns.

Local residents have expressed anxiety about the ship's presence, recalling past incidents involving explosives, and have raised concerns about its proximity to populated areas.

The ship is expected to transfer its cargo to other vessels for delivery to various ports in Africa before undergoing necessary repairs.

Norwegian authorities confirmed that with proper precautions, ammonium nitrate can be transported safely, despite its explosive potential under certain conditions.

Ruby, measuring 182 meters in length, had been searching for a port to make repairs since recovering its cargo from Russia at the end of August.

The Russian cargo ship Ruby, loaded with approximately 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, has docked at Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, UK, after being turned away by several nations due to safety concerns.

Prior to its arrival in Great Yarmouth, Ruby had been anchored off the English coast since late September, having been rejected by Norway and Lithuania because of its hazardous cargo.

Authorities from multiple countries, including the UK and Norway, have been closely monitoring the ship's journey due to the dangerous nature of its cargo.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, along with the Health and Safety Executive, is actively monitoring the situation to ensure safety measures are in place.

Experts, including Professor Andrea Sella from University College London, have indicated that while the cargo is potentially dangerous, it poses a low risk unless a fire occurs on board.

Before reaching the UK, Ruby was denied entry by Norwegian authorities due to damage sustained during a storm, affecting its propeller, hull, and rudder.

The ship departed from the northern Russian peninsula of Kola under unclear circumstances and sustained hull damage shortly after setting sail.