Ivorian Officials Reassure Public Over Ammonium Nitrate Cargo Safety

Officials in Ivory Coast dispel safety concerns regarding a ship carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, emphasizing compliance with strict protocols amid community alarm.

In the bustling port of Abidjan, authorities in Ivory Coast have sought to alleviate fears surrounding a vessel anchored with a significant load of ammonium nitrate — a compound renowned for its dual use in agriculture and as an explosive material. The ship, which carries 20,000 tonnes of the volatile chemical, has stirred anxiety among local residents, especially in light of the tragic incident in Lebanon four years prior, where a large ammonium nitrate detonation resulted in extensive casualties and destruction.

Ammonium nitrate, while commonly applied as a fertiliser, warrants caution due to its explosive potential under specific conditions. This cargo, originating from Russia, gained notoriety last year when a portion of it was disposed of in England after being contaminated. Concerns from a local MP labeled that event as "environmental terrorism" and potentially indicative of the risks tied to transporting the chemical.

Despite significant public apprehension, port director Hien Yacouba Sie assured the community that rigorous safety protocols are firmly in place. “All necessary precautionary measures have been observed,” he reiterated, countering the public's growing disquiet. The port authority has communicated that the Zimrida, the ship in question, will remain moored in the outer harbor until conditions permit safe unloading.

To further bolster public trust, local officials extended an invitation for media outlets, including the BBC, to board the Zimrida for a firsthand view of the cargo. Inside the spacious vessel, numerous bags of the chemical can be seen, and officials have placed a fire truck nearby, illustrating their preparedness for any potential incident.

When questioned about the delay in unloading the cargo despite having cleared safety inspections, port spokesperson Aboubakar Toto elaborated that the procedure is being executed strictly according to protocols. Paris-based environmental group Robin des Bois has voiced concerns regarding the appropriateness of using the Abidjan port as a storage site, arguing for the immediate transit of the cargo to its intended purchaser.

Nevertheless, Ivorian agencies have expressed confidence in their ability to handle such shipments safely, citing the regular offloading of more than 40,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate at the same port in 2024 without any incidents. Of the current load waiting on the Zimrida, approximately 7,600 tonnes are earmarked for agricultural use within Ivory Coast. The remaining cargo is destined for delivery to locations in Angola and Tanzania once cleared for departure.