Reassurances Amid Ammonium Nitrate Concerns at Ivory Coast Port

Port authorities in Ivory Coast are attempting to calm concerns surrounding the Zimrida, a vessel harboring 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a widely used agricultural fertilizer that has raised alarms due to its explosive potential. This heightened anxiety is reminiscent of a catastrophic explosion in Lebanon four years ago, which involved the same chemical. The ship has anchored in the busy waters of Abidjan, a city bustling with over six million residents, prompting many to react with apprehension.The cargo of ammonium nitrate initially set sail from Russia and faced significant challenges; part of this shipment was discarded off the coast of England last year owing to damage from fuel oil contamination during transit. A local official labeled this action as "environmental terrorism." The undamaged cargo was subsequently relocated to the Zimrida, which has remained docked in Abidjan’s outer harbor since its arrival eight days ago.Local Ivorian authorities have reassured residents that stringent safety protocols have been adhered to while handling the cargo. To mitigate local fears, officials allowed journalists, including those from the BBC, on board the Zimrida to inspect the ammonium nitrate. During this visit, reporters observed hundreds of white bags lined in the ship’s holds, visibly confirming the hazardous nature of the material, showcased by a fire truck stationed on the quay as a precautionary measure.Despite having passed safety checks, the Zimrida has yet to begin unloading its cargo, with port spokesman Aboubakar Toto attributing the delay to procedural adherence rather than safety-related issues. Environmental group Robin des Bois criticized the situation, suggesting that the port should not serve as a temporary storage facility for potentially hazardous materials and recommending that the shipment be transported directly to its intended buyer as soon as possible.Ivorian officials, however, contended that such ammonium nitrate deliveries are routine at the port, pointing out that over 40,000 tonnes were successfully unloaded without incident in 2024 alone. Once the Zimrida eventually departs from Ivory Coast, it is expected to deliver the remaining cargo to locations in Angola and Tanzania.