Ivory Coast Officials Dismiss Fears Over Explosive Fertilizer at Abidjan Port.

Authorities in Ivory Coast have reassured the public about the safety of 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate aboard the Zimrida vessel moored in Abidjan’s outer harbour. The compound, used as fertilizer but also explosive, sparked concerns among locals due to its link to the 2020 Beirut blast and memories of toxic waste incidents.

Officials confirmed stringent safety checks and stated such deliveries are routine, with over 40,000 tonnes unloaded safely in 2024.

Of the current shipment, 7,600 tonnes are destined for Ivory Coast, with the remainder bound for Angola and Tanzania. Environmental activists have urged swift unloading to avoid risks.