Soon after departing Russia, the Ruby briefly ran aground after reportedly encountering a storm.
It then continued its journey around the Kola Peninsula and docked in Tromsø, Norway.
Norway’s Maritime Authority told the BBC the vessel was inspected by DNV Group to ensure it met safety and environmental standards.
The group found damage to its hull, propeller and rudder, but the Ruby was still deemed “seaworthy”.
As a precaution, DNV Group, and the Maltese flag registry, insisted that a tug escort the vessel for the remainder of its journey.
The ship was bound for Klaipeda, in Lithuania, according to ship tracking firm MarineTraffic.
But despite being deemed seaworthy, the ship was denied entry to Klaipeda. Algia Latakas, the port authority’s chief executive, told the BBC that this was “because of its cargo”.
Andrea Sella, professor of chemistry at University College London, said the cargo was not high risk, unless there was a fire on board.
“While I understand the caution of the authorities in Tromsø, I suspect that the chances of a similar disaster to Beirut are relatively modest,” she said.
She added: “It would also be interesting to know what the nature of the repairs might be as clearly welding might significantly raise the potential fire risk.”
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