Coast Guard Uncovers Unauthorized Anhydrous Ammonia Delivery at San Juan Terminal

A recent inspection by the coast guard revealed an unauthorized delivery of anhydrous ammonia to the Puerto Nuevo terminal (PNT) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This facility is already limited to handling dangerous materials, making the discovery concerning. During a routine examination, three technicians identified three tank containers at the facility. One container was found to contain over 5,000 gallons of water-free ammonia, a highly toxic and flammable substance.

The incident is particularly alarming as PNT was already under a captain of the Port Order that prohibited the handling of certain dangerous materials, including water-free ammonia, due to inadequate firefighting capabilities. The Puerto Nuevo terminal spokesperson stated that the safety of operations involving imported materials is a top priority and that additional safety measures have been implemented in response to the incident.

Following the discovery, an interagency response involving multiple federal authorities was initiated to investigate the matter further. Violations of the captain of the port decision can result in significant penalties under federal law. The facility is currently permitted to handle non-hazardous cargo loads but must adhere to specific safety requirements before resuming operations involving dangerous materials.

The coast guard is committed to ensuring that hazardous materials are handled in accordance with federal regulations to protect the local population and prevent potential disasters that could impact Puerto Rico’s vital maritime industry. This ongoing investigation underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols in maritime operations.

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