Ivory Coast port officials have downplayed fears about the 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate aboard the moored ship Zimrida, assuring the public that stringent safety checks have been followed. Ammonium nitrate, commonly used as a fertilizer, also has explosive potential, which caused alarm due to its presence in Abidjan, a city of over six million people. This same compound was involved in the 2020 Beirut explosion, heightening concerns.
The cargo, originating from Russia, had previously faced issues when part of it was dumped off the coast of England after contamination. The remaining ammonium nitrate was transferred to the Zimrida and reached Ivory Coast eight days ago. Officials, mindful of past incidents like the toxic waste scandal two decades ago in Abidjan, allowed journalists, including the BBC, to inspect the cargo to provide reassurance.
Journalists found hundreds of white bags containing the chemical inside the ship’s hold, and a fire truck stationed nearby indicated caution. Despite passing safety checks, the goods remain aboard as the authorities follow protocols. A port spokesperson said they are waiting for clearance to unload the 7,600 tonnes of ammonium nitrate intended for use in Ivory Coast, with the rest destined for Angola and Tanzania.
Ammonium nitrate is widely used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertilizer. However, its dual-use nature, also making it a component in explosives, has drawn global scrutiny over its transport, storage, and handling. Proper storage is critical to prevent incidents, especially in densely populated areas.
Environmental NGO Robin des Bois, however, raised concerns about using Abidjan port as a storage site, urging that the goods be delivered to their final buyers. Ivorian authorities noted that unloading ammonium nitrate is routine, with over 40,000 tonnes handled safely at the port in 2024.
