The US Coast Guard said Aug. 26 that it is monitoring vessel
traffic and cargo departing the port complex in Tianjin, China, following the warehouse
explosions that occurred Aug. 12 through 15.
Subject to monitoring is any vessel that was in the Tianjin
port complex, or that has loaded cargo or containers that were in the Tianjin
port complex, at the time of the explosions on Aug. 12 through Aug. 15.
The monitoring, which is being conducted by both the USCG
and Customs & Border Protection, is due to concerns that there may be
potentially hazardous ash, debris or residues on vessels or cargo bound for US
ports.
Vessels affected by the Tianjin explosions are expected to
call on US ports over the next several weeks, and while there have been no
reports of vessels with confirmed hazardous debris or residues onboard, US
companies are looking for reassurances regarding the health and safety of those
who handle shipping containers across the supply chain.
The federal government is working with local, state and
federal port and international partners to coordinate efforts to identify any
potential risks on inbound vessels and cargo to help ensure public safety.
“Although there is much reporting in the media as to the
situation in Tianjin, China, there is not yet clarity of the full extent or
nature of any possible chemical contamination that may be aboard impacted
vessels,” Coast Guard officials wrote in a marine safety information bulletin
distributed this week.
“Vessel owners and operators should be aware of the
potential for hazardous ash, debris or residues onboard impacted vessels or
containers, particularly in cargo bays and interior spaces not regularly
exposed to the elements,” the bulletin continued.
The Coast Guard has said that although there have been no
reports of vessels with confirmed hazardous ash, debris or residues onboard, affected
vessels and cargo may have an increased risk of exposure to potentially hazardous
chemicals. Several hazardous chemicals are reported to have been in the main
warehouse during the incident, including sodium cyanide and calcium carbide.
