No 'significant environmental impact' expected as molasses leaked in Silloth Harbour

The Zapadnyy on Saturday (Image: MJ Images)

The cargo of a ship which leaked into Silloth Harbour is not expected to cause any ‘significant environmental impact’.

The Zapadnyy ran aground on Saturday having travelled over from Germany and leaked some of its cargo of molasses into the harbour.

Concern had been raised over the impact of the spillage on local wildlife and the Associated British Ports said it was montering the area.

A spokesperson for ABP, which runs Silloth harbour, said: “Based on the information we have, we believe that the cargo was all discharged within the port, an area of approximately 100,000 tonnes of water.

“In this instance, we are not expecting any significant environmental impact and ongoing monitoring of surrounding areas is being carried out at low water each day to monitor any residue effects or impacts on the local habitat waters.”

The ship itself was successfully refloated during the midnight hightide and no injuries were reported.

This is the second time that the ship has run aground in Silloth after also coming into difficulties in 2016.