Key points
- An explosion occurred on the Eco-Wizard tanker carrying ammonia in the port of Ust-Luga, which led to a leak of liquid ammonia.
- The crew has been evacuated, the causes of the explosion have not yet been established, with possible versions including a technical malfunction or sabotage.
- Russian authorities say there is no threat to the environment, although real consequences may become apparent later.
- The tanker arrived at the Russian port from Antwerp under the Liberian flag.
Explosion on ammonia tanker near St. Petersburg / Photo from open sources
An explosion occurred on the ammonia tanker Eco-Wizard near St. Petersburg. It was moored in the port of Ust-Luga.
Russian authorities have rushed to assure that there is no threat to the environment, although such statements from Russia often diverge from reality. This was reported by 24 Kanal, citing NEXTA and Russian propaganda media.
Explosion on ammonia tanker in Russia
The accident occurred on the Eco-Wizard vessel, which was being loaded in the port of Ust-Luga. According to preliminary information, the explosion occurred in the engine room area, which led to a leak of liquid ammonia.
The loading operation was immediately stopped, 23 crew members were evacuated, and emergency teams arrived at the scene. Local authorities insist that there is no threat to the environment, but such statements are often made automatically in Russia. The real environmental consequences may become apparent later.
The causes of the explosion have not yet been officially established. The main versions include a technical malfunction or deliberate sabotage.
The Eco-Wizard vessel flies the Liberian flag and arrived at the Russian port from Antwerp, Belgium.
Background: The port of Ust-Luga is of strategic importance to Russia: it is from here that a significant portion of chemical exports, in particular ammonia, are carried out. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has become one of Moscow's main logistics hubs for bypassing Western sanctions.
