An Asian crew member was taken to hospital after receiving chemical burns to his face during cargo operations at the Port of Tauranga earlier today.

The 46-year-old man is believed to be off the tanker Chembulk Sydney which is discharging chemicals at the port.

The ship Chembulk Sydney at the Port of Tauranga today.

The 1am accident was attended by fire and St John ambulance.

Mount Maunganui St John Ambulance report the man was taken to Tauranga Hospital with chemical burns to his face and eyes.

Tauranga and Mount Maunganui fire attended, but SunLive understands the man had already been put through a decontamination shower at the scene, before being taken to hospital.