Local residents remain concerned, recalling past environmental incidents as officials prepare for the chemical's eventual distribution.
**Safety Assured for Ammonium Nitrate Shipment in Ivory Coast, Officials Claim**
**Safety Assured for Ammonium Nitrate Shipment in Ivory Coast, Officials Claim**
Authorities in Ivory Coast quell public fear surrounding the storage of 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, stating adherence to stringent safety measures.
The port authorities of Ivory Coast have addressed safety concerns related to a vessel anchored in Abidjan, which is carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate – a substance known for its potential explosive properties, notably linked to a significant explosion in Beirut four years ago. Despite being an essential agricultural fertiliser, the cargo has raised alarms among residents of Abidjan, a city that houses over six million individuals.
This cargo, which originated from Russia, faced a troubled journey when some portion was dumped off the coast of England last year due to contamination from fuel oil during tumultuous seas. A local official from Norfolk labeled that incident as "environmental terrorism." Subsequently, the remaining ammonium nitrate was transferred to the vessel Zimrida, which arrived in Ivory Coast eight days prior.
In response to concerns over possible damage and public safety, the Zimrida will remain at the harbor's outer limits, according to Ivorian officials. They have assured the community that the remaining ammonium nitrate has passed rigorous safety inspections.
Despite these reassurances, many locals are anxious, recalling the disastrous unloading of toxic waste at Abidjan port nearly two decades ago. To pacify these fears, officials extended invitations to media outlets, including the BBC, to inspect the Zimrida and its cargo.
Upon entering the ship, journalists observed numerous white bags filled with ammonium nitrate while a fire truck was stationed at the quay as a precautionary measure. When questioned about the delay in unloading the goods, spokesman Aboubakar Toto indicated that the process adhered to protocol, with further orders pending.
Environmental NGO Robin des Bois criticized the port's function as a storage site for hazardous materials, urging the swift transport of the cargoes to their intended buyer. Meanwhile, Ivorian authorities highlight that the handling of ammonium nitrate is routine, referencing a successful unloading of over 40,000 tonnes at the same port in 2024 without incident.
The remaining 7,600 tonnes of ammonium nitrate on board Zimrida are earmarked for agricultural purposes within Ivory Coast, while the rest is set to be delivered to Luanda, Angola, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, after departing from the Ivorian port.
This cargo, which originated from Russia, faced a troubled journey when some portion was dumped off the coast of England last year due to contamination from fuel oil during tumultuous seas. A local official from Norfolk labeled that incident as "environmental terrorism." Subsequently, the remaining ammonium nitrate was transferred to the vessel Zimrida, which arrived in Ivory Coast eight days prior.
In response to concerns over possible damage and public safety, the Zimrida will remain at the harbor's outer limits, according to Ivorian officials. They have assured the community that the remaining ammonium nitrate has passed rigorous safety inspections.
Despite these reassurances, many locals are anxious, recalling the disastrous unloading of toxic waste at Abidjan port nearly two decades ago. To pacify these fears, officials extended invitations to media outlets, including the BBC, to inspect the Zimrida and its cargo.
Upon entering the ship, journalists observed numerous white bags filled with ammonium nitrate while a fire truck was stationed at the quay as a precautionary measure. When questioned about the delay in unloading the goods, spokesman Aboubakar Toto indicated that the process adhered to protocol, with further orders pending.
Environmental NGO Robin des Bois criticized the port's function as a storage site for hazardous materials, urging the swift transport of the cargoes to their intended buyer. Meanwhile, Ivorian authorities highlight that the handling of ammonium nitrate is routine, referencing a successful unloading of over 40,000 tonnes at the same port in 2024 without incident.
The remaining 7,600 tonnes of ammonium nitrate on board Zimrida are earmarked for agricultural purposes within Ivory Coast, while the rest is set to be delivered to Luanda, Angola, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, after departing from the Ivorian port.
