Tianjin cruise terminal says operations are ongoing after huge port explosions

A spokesman for the cruise centre told Seatrade Cruse News there are no closures to visitors and cruise ships can continue to call at the terminal. But he added the explosions have caused heavier hinterland traffic conditions and potential delays for cruise calls.

Two explosions occurred at the warehouse owned by Tianjin Ruihai Logistics Company, located in Tianjin Port Logistics Centre. The warehouse was used to store dangerous and chemical goods, the company said.

The death toll from the massive blast has risen to 44 and more than 500 are injured, reports said.

Pictures in Chinese media showed towering clouds of dust enveloping buildings near the scene, and streets littered with debris from the blasts.

The China Earthquake Networks Centre said the magnitude of the first explosion was the equivalent of detonating three tonnes of explosive TNT, while the second was the equivalent of 21 tonnes of the explosive.

The fire ravaged the industrial area in the northeast Chinese port city of Tianjin for hours, and around 100 fire engines were deployed to the scene, according to reports.