Chevron halts operations after Tianjin blast


The US major is stopping operations at its lubricants blending plant after a major explosion.

Blast crater

The crater left by the blast Image: EPA

Despite not sustaining any immediate visible damange, and being located more than 5km from the original blast site, Chevron Corp is suspending operations at its Tianjin lubes plant until the blast area has been stabilised.

Although the plant has a maximum capacity of 150,000 tons per year, a Chevron spokesperson claimed supply would not be affected in the region. The Fortune 500 company completed the plant in 2013.

The two massive explosions were the most deadly industrial accidents in recent history. Much remains unknown about exactly what triggered the gigantic explosions, but it is widely believed that water sprayed on a smaller fire triggered a highly combustive reaction that led to both chemicals containers exploding.

More than 700 people have been admitted to hospital as a direct result of the blasts, and local citizens are advised to be wary of dangerous chemicals released into the atmosphere.