A Barbados-flagged ship, Zimrida, carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a potentially explosive chemical, has arrived in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, sparking concerns over safety.
The ship, which has been rejected by several ports, including those in Lithuania and the UK, is currently moored in the outer harbour of Abidjan port.
Despite initial concerns, port officials in Abidjan have reassured the public that the ship poses no danger to the city or its port facilities. According to the port authority, the ship meets all safety conditions, is undamaged, and adheres to international maritime rules.
The cargo owner has secured all required state documents to import the ammonium nitrate, which is typically used as an agricultural fertilizer but can also be used in explosives. The ship’s journey has been complicated, with several ports turning it away due to concerns over its hazardous cargo.
This is not the first time ammonium nitrate has raised alarms. In 2020, an explosion in Beirut killed over 220 people, highlighting the potential risks associated with mishandling such materials.
After unloading 8,000 tonnes in Ivory Coast, the Zimrida will continue its voyage to Angola and Tanzania. Port officials have taken necessary precautions to ensure safety, and the ship is expected to depart Abidjan port soon.
