In brief
Port authorities in Ivory Coast assure residents that strict protocols are being followed with a moored vessel carrying ammonium nitrate, easing concerns linked to its explosive potential.
Port officials at Abidjan have calmed safety worries regarding a ship anchored with 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, the same fertilizer that caused a deadly explosion in Beirut four years ago. While some locals express anxiety over this cargo in the bustling city, officials maintain they’re adhering to rigorous safety standards.The ammonium nitrate from the ship Zimrida had previous issues, with part of its load dumped off England due to contamination, raising environmental concerns. As a precaution, the vessel is currently anchored outside the port while officials monitor the situation carefully, ensuring all necessary checks are in place.Local MP reactions echo past concerns stemming from toxic waste incidents almost two decades ago in Abidjan. To foster transparency, authorities escorted media personnel onto the ship to view the cargo firsthand, emphasizing the safety measures implemented. The vessel remains on standby, as protocol dictates awaiting the green light for unloading.Despite some apprehensions voiced by environmental NGOs about keeping such materials at the port, Ivorian officials point to the regularity of ammonium nitrate handling, highlighting that over 40,000 tonnes were successfully managed here the previous year. The plan is to deliver 7,600 tonnes of this shipment for local agricultural use before the Zimrida continues its journey to Angola and Tanzania.
