INSPECTION OF THE CARGO OF ZIMRIDA SHIP

Activités portuaires Thursday 20 February 2025

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the General Management of the Abidjan Port Authority (PAA) carried out an inspection of the ammonium nitrate cargo onboard the ZIMRIDA ship, which had docked at berth 5 of the Port of Abidjan. The inspection was conducted in the presence of PAA’s Managing Director, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ, and Colonel Aya KOUAKOU Odette, Maritime Technical Advisor to the Minister of Transport.

Several national and international media organizations attended the inspection visit.

This initiative aimed to reassure the populations about the integrity of the cargo following the controversy that emerged on social media after the announcement of the vessel’s presence in Ivorian territorial waters.

Specialists from analytical laboratories representing various state administrations took samples of the product, which were then analyzed following standard procedures applicable to "hazardous" materials transiting through the Port of Abidjan.

Journalists were able to witness firsthand that the ammonium nitrate cargo was properly stored in the ship’s holds without any abnormalities that could pose a risk to port facilities or nearby communities.

During the press conference held at the end of the inspection, Mr. Hien SIÉ emphasized the robust procedures implemented by the Port Authority and relevant administrations to handle sensitive products such as ammonium nitrate. He further assured that any vessel carrying such cargo is subjected to strict security monitoring throughout its stay for loading and unloading operations.

He reassured journalists that there was no imminent threat from handling the ZIMRIDA and its cargo, stating that "we are accustomed to handling this type of product at the Port of Abidjan."

Regarding the condition of the vessel, he confirmed that it was in good shape: "The ship is not damaged and is not on any blacklist," he said.

It is important to note that this visit followed a high-level meeting held on January 6, 2025, at the Head office of the Abidjan Port Authority, where permission was granted for the vessel to dock after verifying the cargo’s integrity and reviewing the necessary import authorizations provided by the shipper (cargo owner).

After Abidjan, the ZIMRIDA will set sail for Angola and Tanzania to offload the remainder of its cargo.