Sulphur left in port causes concern

October 17, 2017 - 16:40

Over 30,000 tonnes of sulphur have been left in the open at Hoàng Diệu Port in northern Hải Phòng City for 20 days, causing concern over the risk of fire and environmental pollution.

Sulphur being stored in Hải Phòng Port for over 20 days will be relocated by the end of this month. — Photo laodong.vn
Viet Nam News

HÀ NỘI — Over 30,000 tonnes of sulphur have been left in the open at Hoàng Diệu Port in northern Hải Phòng City for 20 days, causing concern over the risk of fire and environmental pollution.

The sulphur was contained in a simple package, with no one being assigned to guard it, despite the fact that it is a substance, which requires stringent supervision, the Người Lao Động (The Labourer) newspaper reported.

Port workers, as well as those living near the port, have been suffering from an unbearable stench emanating from the piles of sulphur.

Phạm Thị Hải, 53, who resides in Hải Phòng City’s Ngô Quyền District, told the newspaper that she had to shut the door of her house all day due to the bad smell.

Trần Lương Phương, Deputy Director of Hoàng Diệu Port One-Member Limited Company under the Hải Phòng Port, said the sulphur is being imported by Traco 1 Joint Stock Company to be re-exported to China.

Usually, these consignments are supposed to be stored at the port for five days or a maximum of 15 days, before being re-exported, he said.

However, due to heavy rains and flooding in the northern provinces, the company and its partners could not complete procedures to receive the goods on time.

A meeting was held on Monday between Hải Phòng Port Authority and Traco 1 Co. Ltd, the owners of the 30,000 tonnes of sulphur stored at Hoàng Diệu port, to discuss plans on handling these consignments, Phương said.

"Leaders of the Traco 1 Co. Ltd said they would try to move the shipment to a safe place as soon as possible. It is likely that the shipment will be relocated by the end of this month," Phương said.

Before importing and loading these consignments, the port authorities set up fire prevention and environmental protection measures, approved by competent agencies, he said. — VNS

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