The cargo from the NS Qingdao ship, which was evacuated after starting to release toxic fumes into the atmosphere in St. Helena Bay, will be taken to a hazardous waste reception facility in Cape Town.

The vessel underwent a chemical reaction when its cargo came into contact with rainwater while unloading at Durban Port.

According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa), the cargo is stabilized by a hazardous material crew.

“The team loads it into dumpsters and covers the dumpsters with stabilizing sand. Even though this process takes time, about 25 of the 80 dumpsters have been stabilized,” Samsa’s Tebogo Ramatjie said in a statement.

READ | Ship evacuated from the port of Saint Helena Bay after releasing toxic fumes

In order to ensure minimal exposure to pollution, these skips are kept on board and will only be unloaded ashore until the vessel is docked.

Ramatjie added that the stabilized cargo will be taken to an approved hazardous waste reception facility in Cape Town after the dumpsters are unloaded.

The skips will be unloaded in the bay of Saldanha.

“Samsa continues to work with the rescue company, the shipowner and other stakeholders and the operation will continue until the end of this week depending on the weather,” Ramatjie added.

The vessel poses no immediate threat to the environment or to people in the area and all safety protocols are followed.

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