The owner of a general cargoship held in South Africa has called allegations of illegal explosives on board "fake news."
South African media reported that the 4,600-dwt Lada (built 2000) was held in Port Elizabeth after "weapons and explosives" were said to have been found at the port of Ngqura.
Owner Transflot told TradeWinds it was carrying "absolutely legal cargo" covered by the IMO 1.1 designation, which was loaded in containers in Chennai, India.
Category 1.1 includes ammonium picrate and three types of cartridges for weapons, with bursting charges.
Transflot said the "same cargo was discharged in Colombo, Mombasa, Dar Es Salam, Tulear, without any delay and problem with local authorities.
"Next ports of discharge will be Lagos - Nigeria, and Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. All parties concerned were informed by shipowner in time.
"Cargo in Ngqura was officially declared in bills of ladings, mate receipt, cargo manifest to local police and authority.
"All shippers/receivers of cargo, dangerous goods declarations, all papers, prepared by shipper strictly in accordance with international law and requirements.
"No weapons onboard, all strictly in accordance UN convention."
Police were reported as saying the cargo was valued at about ZAR 50m ($3.51m).
