Runcorn docks.

Runcorn was an established port long before the canal came into being and locks here linked the Bridgewater canal to the Mersey.

When the ship canal was built the old docks, formerley used by the Bridgewater Canal Company were retained and are still used by  smaller vessels. The docks can handle vessels of up to 350 feet in length and 50 feet across the beam provided that their draught does not exceed 17.7 feet.

During the early days of the canal sailing vessels  too large or cumbersome to transit further up the canal transferred their cargo here to lighters and barges.

Today the port has several special quays for handling the many cargos of salt and sulphur which pass through.

It  is from offices alongside the docks that the ship canal engineers operate, controlling all repair work and emergencies  along the whole length of the canal.