International Tanker Owner’s Pollution Federation (Itopf) managing director Dr Karen Purnell has calmed fears of long standing environmental damage resulting from the Sanchi cargo spill.

She says the composition of the cargo is unlikely to mean it will mostly burn or evaporate and there is unlikely to be any toxicity to threaten marine life.

“Gas condensates are composed of low-density hydrocarbon compounds and, as such, are non-persistent - meaning they will dissipate rapidly,” Purnell said.