The tank, containing liquid hydrogen, caught fire in the Lanbei part of the port. The city sent more than 50 fire engines and about 300 firemen to put out the fire. As of 4.30pm local time, the fire had still not been put out. No casualties have been reported.
The tank on fire belongs to Rizhao Shida Technology, a local petrochemical company, which also operates a 300,000d wt petrochemical terminal at Rizhao Port.
Citizens living near the explosion site have been evacuated while Rizhao Steel, which is also near the site, has suspended operation and evacuated workers.