On 26 March, a U.S. Coast Guard inspection team found a tank containing hazardous anhydrous ammonia at a terminal in San Juan, Puerto Rico and started conducting an investigation.
As announced, a team of three Coast Guard Marine Science Technicians conducted a routine examination at the facility and identified three tank-containers, one of which was deemed to be unlawful, with more than 5,000 gallons of Anhydrous Ammonia, a hazardous, highly toxic and corrosive gas or colorless liquid which is flammable in high concentrations.
In addition, the port facility’s inability to meet safety compliance measures regarding their firefighting capability continues to be an ongoing concern for the Coast Guard.
A Coast Guard Captain of the Port Order was issued to Puerto Nuevo Terminals (PNT) on 27 February 2025, explicitly prohibiting the facility from storing and handing certain hazardous materials due to the facility’s lack of adequate firefighting capability. Anhydrous Ammonia was included among the prohibited hazardous cargoes.
We will continue to devote all the necessary resources to ensure that HAZMAT is handled in compliance with federal laws and regulations to safeguard the local population and to prevent a catastrophic incident from impacting maritime industry operations, which are so vital to the economy of Puerto Rico.
…said Capt. Robert E. Stiles, acting Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander and acting Captain of the Port.
Furthermore, the discovery of the hazardous cargo which directly violates the order, could lead to PNT being fined approximately $120,000 for each occurrence and day of violation.
The Coast Guard also points out that knowingly and intentionally breaking a Captain of the Port Order is a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison or fines up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a company.
