Port officials in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, have addressed public concerns regarding a vessel loaded with 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, emphasizing that all safety measures are being strictly adhered to. This compound, while commonly used as fertilizer, has garnered particular unease due to its role in catastrophic events, such as the explosion in Beirut four years ago.
Concerns Over Ammonium Nitrate Ship Moored in Ivory Coast Dismissed by Officials
Concerns Over Ammonium Nitrate Ship Moored in Ivory Coast Dismissed by Officials
Ivorian authorities assure citizens that stringent safety protocols are in place for the 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate aboard the Zimrida, despite the compound's explosive potential and past incidents.
The cargo, part of which had a troubled journey from Russia and was briefly dumped in England last year due to contamination, has raised alarms among local residents. They recall previous environmental disasters and express concerns about the legitimacy of its current storage in Abidjan, a bustling city with over six million residents.
In an effort to reassure the public, Ivorian officials arranged for media tours of the Zimrida, showcasing the hundreds of white bags filled with ammonium nitrate. The port authorities are keen to portray an image of control, with strict checks already completed. Nonetheless, citizens remain apprehensive, recalling a bygone era marked by toxic waste crises in their community.
Despite inquiries regarding the delay in unloading the shipment, authorities maintained that procedures dictate caution. Ivorian officials reaffirmed that such shipments are routine, with over 40,000 tonnes unloaded at the same port the previous year without incidents.
As the situation develops, 7,600 tonnes are earmarked for local agricultural use, with the remainder of the cargo set for delivery to Angola and Tanzania. Community leaders and environmental groups continue to scrutinize the implications of using the port as a storage hub for potentially hazardous materials.
In an effort to reassure the public, Ivorian officials arranged for media tours of the Zimrida, showcasing the hundreds of white bags filled with ammonium nitrate. The port authorities are keen to portray an image of control, with strict checks already completed. Nonetheless, citizens remain apprehensive, recalling a bygone era marked by toxic waste crises in their community.
Despite inquiries regarding the delay in unloading the shipment, authorities maintained that procedures dictate caution. Ivorian officials reaffirmed that such shipments are routine, with over 40,000 tonnes unloaded at the same port the previous year without incidents.
As the situation develops, 7,600 tonnes are earmarked for local agricultural use, with the remainder of the cargo set for delivery to Angola and Tanzania. Community leaders and environmental groups continue to scrutinize the implications of using the port as a storage hub for potentially hazardous materials.
