As of 19/08/2012, It was brought to our attention that a leak from the Stanlow Oil Refinery had entered the Manchester Ship Canal which has resulted in all marine traffic being locked in or out of the canal.
We have received confirmation from the Stanlow Oil Refinery that a maximum of 5 tonnes had entered the canal waters. The alarm was raised and expert teams of cleaners attended the scene to minimize the environmental impact of the spillage. The situation is under full control and re-opening of the canal water could happen as early as the afternoon of Tuesday 21st August.
There is a long list of vessels due in and out of the canal and nobody is yet aware of the delays, we do know that when normal service resumes on the canal, priority will be given to marine tanker traffic.
A spokesman from the Stanlow Oil Refinery hailed the efforts of all the team members involved in rectifying and mitigating the effects of the spillage as well as the ongoing support and co-operation from the Mersey Dock and Harbor Company (MDHC).
We will bring you updates here and via @Navis_marine on twitter as the situation develops