Inchcape Shipping Services is advising that Tianjin Municipal Transport Commission has issued notice to Tianjin Port to cease handling tankers and container ships carrying hazardous substances. As a result most tanker operations in the port have stopped. 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. Tianjin, the port gateway to Beijing, is a major base for petrochemicals, refining and other industries.  ISS Tianjin is operating as normal and will continue to monitor developments and keep its clients updated.