Two-way shipping stopped after container spill in Solent

The containers fell from the Baltic Klipper off the coast of the Isle of Wight on Saturday evening.

This caused delays at Southampton port throughout Saturday and Sunday morning, with P&O Cruises’ Iona delayed from leaving for almost 24 hours.

The port has now confirmed that while it remains operational, it has restricted traffic in the shipping channel to one-way, instead of the usual two-way.

This means that even today, naval traffic is slower.

Produce from a container which has come ashore on Selsey beach in West Sussex. 16 containers went overboard from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper in the Solent on 6 December. Eight of the containers were reported as carrying bananas, two as carrying plantain, one as carrying avocados, and the remaining five as empty. (Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)

An ABP spokesperson said: “The port remains operational, with vessel movements currently managed through a single one-way channel.

“While traffic may be slower today, we are working closely with the relevant authorities to restore two-way channel operations as quickly and safely as possible.

“Our priority is to ensure the continued flow of goods and services while maintaining the highest standards of safety.”

Eight of the containers held bananas, two contained plantains and one was packed with avocado. The other five are empty.