A Turkish-flagged ship allegedly carrying hazardous waste has successfully docked at Albania's main port, sparking concerns over environmental safety as authorities prepare to inspect its cargo. The ship, known as Moliva XA443A, was initially barred from entering the port of Durres due to concerns raised by watchdog organizations about the nature of its cargo. It had remained anchored offshore until prosecutors authorized its docking on Friday, where unloading commenced for inspection.
The ship has been linked to approximately 2,100 tons of toxic dust, byproducts of pollution control filters from the steel industry, which are believed to have been acquired from various locations, including Albania, Kosovo, and Germany. An environmental non-governmental organization (NGO), the Basel Action Network (BAN), alerted Albanian authorities to the potential hazards associated with the ship's cargo back in August, following information from whistleblowers. This report was the catalyst for the subsequent investigations by the prosecutor's office.
Upon docking, the containers were carefully unloaded and transported to Porto Romano, approximately 6 kilometers away, where comprehensive lab tests will be conducted to assess the environmental risks involved. A statement from the prosecutor’s office confirmed the containers' seizure and their transfer to a location deemed environmentally and physically safe.
Reports indicate the customs documentation for the cargo inaccurately describes the contents as iron oxide, raising eyebrows about the true nature of the shipment. Although Albanian authorities initially took steps to prevent the ship from docking, the recent decision to allow it highlights serious concerns over hazardous waste policies and practices within the country.
The incident has ignited political backlash, with opposition parties accusing the Albanian government of illegal hazardous waste trafficking. Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the legitimacy of the cargo's documentation, asserting iron oxide does not classify as toxic waste according to European environmental catalogs. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Mirela Kumbaro emphasized the importance of thorough investigation and transparency, urging political factions not to exploit the situation for their gain.
Albania, aspiring for European Union membership, faces scrutiny over how it manages hazardous waste, mirroring broader international concerns over the transportation and disposal of such materials. The Basel Action Network has urged Albania to adopt stricter waste management measures and to commit to preventing hazardous waste exports to developing nations.
The initial alert from BAN stated the shipment was intended for Thailand, but upon learning the nature of the cargo, Thai authorities refused to accept it, prompting the ship to redirect back to Albania after brief stops at ports in Turkey and Italy. The international route taken by Moliva XA443A raises questions about compliance with waste disposal regulations.
While the investigation continues, calls for public transparency have intensified. BAN has contended the Albanian government should facilitate open sampling of the cargo to restore public confidence. The situation accentuates the need for greater vigilance and effective regulation to prevent illegal hazardous waste trafficking, which remains a persistent global issue.
Overall, as the authorities work toward resolving this complex situation, they must carefully navigate the balancing act between political pressures, environmental safety, and Albania’s ambitions of aligning its policies with European standards.
