China’s Port of Tianjin has suspended dry bulk cargo operations until December 21, 2016, due to a red alert for high air pollution, Wilhelmsen Ships Service informs.

The county’s port authorities decided to stop all loading/discharging activities for bulk cargoes such as iron ore and coal.

Heavy port congestion and berthing delays are expected for bulk cargo vessels, according to Wilhelmsen.

Tianjin and Beijing municipalities have issued a “Red alert for Heavy Air Pollution” as heavy smog is expected to last four consecutive days.

China has a color-graded warning system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange and yellow.

World Maritime News Staff