China closes port after oil fire

Updated July 19, 2010 20:24:02

A major port the northeast of China has been shut down following explosions and a raging fire at an oil transfer terminal.

Maritime authorities in the port city of Dalian are also trying to contain an oil spill with skimmer ships and chemicals to break up the crude oil. The spill began on Friday evening when two pipelines exploded at an oil storage depot belonging to China National Petroleum Corp, starting a fire that burned for 15 hours. It's estimated 1,500 tonnes of oil has leaked into the sea.

Presenter: Liam Cochrane
Speakers: Tom Enger, Editorial Director, Platts, Singapore.