A leak of liquid ammonia occurred at the Ust-Luga port near St Petersburg, reportedly due to an explosion of unknown origin. According to preliminary data, the Liberian-flagged tanker Eco Wizard suffered depressurisation following the blast. The vessel had arrived at the port from Antwerp, Belgium. The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be determined and will be clarified by specialised services after a thorough investigation, local media report.
Russia’s Ministry of Transport said the ammonia leak happened during loading and unloading operations. The 23-member crew was evacuated and remains in port; no injuries have been reported. Further cargo operations were promptly halted.
Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko said the incident did not pose any threat to human life or health and did not cause environmental damage.
“Rainy weather and a promptly established water curtain prevented the substance from dispersing into the atmosphere and allowed for its containment and collection. An investigation into the incident is underway,” the governor said.