Tianjin Port Stops Handling Hazardous Cargoes

Most tanker operations in the Tianjin Port have stopped as a result of a notice to the port from Tianjin Municipal Transport Commission to cease handling tankers and container ships carrying hazardous substances, Inchape Shipping Services informed.

In addition, container ships with hazardous goods on board are currently unable to berth and discharge.

Tianjin Municipal Transport Commission has not indicated when port operations for vessels carrying hazardous substances may resume.

The measure has been taken following a warehouse explosion approximately 3km from the nearest container terminal last week, which, according to the latest update has taken the toll of 114 people, with 70 more still missing, Xinhua informed.

Search and rescue operations resume through piles of containers at the blast site where there are still burning chemicals left from the explosion.

Tianjin is a major base for petrochemicals, refining and other industries.