UPDATE: A strong chemical smell at the Port of Tauranga has led to at least one worker being taken to hospital.

Workers detected a sickening chemical smell early on Tuesday morning.

The workers were loading logs for export at the southern end of the Mt Maunganui wharves, says a spokesperson for the port said.

At least one worker was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The smell, which has dissipated, did not come from the logs and Fire and Emergency has left the scene, says the port spokeperson.

Standard procedures kicked in and there were no disruptions to shipping movements.

Operations have resumed at the port had resumed.

FENZ says it was alerted to the chemical smell at 2.40am.

A spokesperson says three fire trucks and one hazardous substance team were at the port.

FENZ is working with Bay of Plenty Regional Council's pollution team and port staff to ascertain the cause of the smell, says the spokesperson.

EARLIER:

A strong chemical smell at the Port of Tauranga has led to a number of people being taken to hospital.

Fire and Emergency was alerted to the chemical smell at 2.40am.

A spokesperson says three fire trucks and one hazardous substance team were at the port.

Fire and Emergency is working with Bay of Plenty Regional Council's pollution team and port staff to ascertain the cause of the smell, says the spokesperson.

-RNZ.