Tianjin, China’s sixth largest container port, suffered a deadly explosion Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 11:20 p.m.  The blast, which killed at least 114 people according to Chinese officials, originated from a Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Company dangerous goods warehouse.  The Company’s senior executives have been taken into detention pending an investigation.

The terminals in Tianjin/Xingang have resumed normal operations as the region continues to recover and mourn from the large explosion.  Other warehouses in the area have resumed their normal services; with the exception of shipments of hazardous goods.  Contingency plans regarding shipments of hazardous material are still being finalized among the local carriers and it is very likely cargo will be rerouted to alternate ports.  At this juncture, there will be no need to reroute non-hazardous cargo destined for the Tianjin/Beijing/Xingang region.

Our hearts continue to go out to the victims and their families.

Shapiro is closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates regarding handling of hazardous cargo into and out of the region.