A damaged Russian cargo ship loaded with 20,000 tonnes of highly explosive ammonium nitrate is currently just 15 miles from Margate after being “anchored” on the edge of the English Channel close to the Straits of Dover.

The MV Ruby, blocked from entering the Baltic Sea by Danish authorities earlier this week, has travelled south and is close to both the Thames Estuary and the English coast, according to the Marine Traffic ship-tracking website.

The vessel, which has reportedly suffered damage to both its rudder and hull, is carrying seven times the amount of ammonium nitrate which caused a devastating explosion in Beirut in 2020.

Marine Traffic suggests it is alarmingly close to both Margate and Ramsgate.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been contacted for comment, but the situation is causing a great deal of concern.

Scandinavian authorities, including Norway and Denmark, refused entry to the MV Ruby after it ran aground on August 22, not long after departing from the Russian port of Kandalaksha.

The vessel sustained critical damage, leading to fears about its safety.

Officially the MV Ruby is en route – but a spokesperson for Malta’s transport ministry told the Malta Today newspaper the ship will not be permitted to dock if it is still carrying the explosive cargo.

They said: “The ship will only be permitted to enter Maltese waters if the cargo is unloaded first.”

Additionally, the MV Ruby is currently close to the wreck of the World War II ship SS Richard Montgomery, which itself contains around 1,400 tonnes of unexploded wartime ordnance.

South of its position lies the English Channel, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, used by both commercial and civilian vessels.

Concerns have also been raised that the MV Ruby could be part of Russia‘s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ – a collection of poorly maintained cargo and oil ships which have been active since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Jacob Kaarsbo, a senior analyst from the think tank Europe, described the ship’s behaviour as “suspicious” after it lingered near a NATO base in Tromso and around oil and gas installations in Bergen, Norway.

The ship is being monitored by the Marine and Coastguard Agency.

The vessel is currently securely anchored outside UK territorial waters waiting for appropriate conditions to refuel at sea before passing through the English Channel.

Refuelling at sea is a common practice and will take place in accordance with safety procedures and in favourable weather.

Vessels are not required to ask permission to travel through UK territorial waters for legitimate purposes.

The vessel has appropriate safety certificates approved by the vessel’s flag state and is able to make its own way.

A commercial tug contracted by the ship operators is standing by the vessel at anchor and when underway.

HM Coastguard is in regular contact with the vessel and is monitoring its progress, and has round-the-clock capability to respond to requests for assistance and to ensure the safety of shipping within UK waters.

Additionally, the MV Ruby is currently close to the wreck of the World War II ship SS Richard Montgomery, which itself contains around 1,400 tonnes of unexploded wartime ordnance.

South of its position lies the English Channel, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, used by both commercial and civilian vessels.

Concerns have also been raised that the MV Ruby could be part of Russia‘s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ – a collection of poorly maintained cargo and oil ships which have been active since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Jacob Kaarsbo, a senior analyst from the think tank Europe, described the ship’s behaviour as “suspicious” after it lingered near a NATO base in Tromso and around oil and gas installations in Bergen, Norway.

Express.co.uk has also approached by the Foreign Office for comment.