Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd, our correspondents in Tianjin, has provided us with the following information:
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Please find our update on the explosion at Tianjin as follows:
- According to the notice from Tianjin MSA, currently all terminals of Tianjin port have resumed normal operations. It should be noted that because Huisheng Terminal and Euroasia Terminal are relatively close to the explosion site (see the attached illustration), the loading and discharging operations are affected to some extent due to the physical influences to the stevedores by the unhealthy air. Other terminals are all in normal operations at present.
- On 17th Aug. 2015, Tianjin Municipal Transportation Commission published a Notice ordering all relative departments to cease dangerous cargo operations, details are as follows:
1) All dangerous cargo container terminals cease export & import operations for all containers;
2) All liquid bulk cargo terminals cease export & import operations for all dangerous cargoes.
3) All dangerous cargo container yards cease all export & import vanning and devanning operations for all dangerous cargo.Tianjin MSA has informed related departments to strictly follow the notice and cease all port entry & exit application of related vessels and cargoes. (When preparing for this report, we are advised that Tianjin port has received notice to resume some operations of low-risk dangerous cargoes, such as residual oil, base oil and asphalt). We are also confirmed by CIQ that other than the dangerous cargoes listed above, there is no restriction to the operations of other cargo, inclusive of iron ore, agricultural products
- The surrounding roads of the explosion site are still blocked. The vehicles which enter and exit port are required to circumambulate, which will influence the speed of cargo congregation.
- In respect of the air condition, 17 detecting points were set up in the perimeter zone to monitor the air, soil and water in real-time for 24 hours a day. According to the latest report, some trace of cyanide were found in two of the detecting points, which temporarily may not be harmful to the surrounding area. At present, within 2 km from the explosion site are under a state of siege, other than that area, people are normally allowed to enter and exit. Considering this situation, we presume vessels would be safe if they do not berth at Huisheng and Euroasia Terminal. Whilst for the sake of protection, it is necessary to equip protective appliances for crews. For crews working on deck, it is recommended to clean their overalls on a daily basis.
Our recommendation:
- The cargo in the open storage, especially steel cargo, is possibly affected by the explosive dust. Therefore the appointed surveyor shall be strictly cautious of the condition of cargo and make proper remarks.
- In order to best protect crew’s safety, it is necessary to provide protective equipments for crews.
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Location of explosion
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