The Xingang oil spill is very serious and will require the Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration more than 10 days to carry out clean-up measures.

"This is the most serious oil spill I've ever seen in the 20 years working as a maritime worker," said Huang Yong, vice director-general of the Dalian Maritime Bureau.

Huang cited a possible change in weather as being a wild card in challenging clean-up process.

"If there are heavy rains or strong winds, it will accelerate the spreading of oil pollution," he said.

He added that the oil pollution in Xingang will seriously threaten marine life and significantly affect water and air quality. An oil-control line has been established to prevent further spreading of the pollution.

As of July 18, the Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration has dispatched 400 staff members with more than 40 coordinating ships and hundreds of vehicles and been able to contain over 7,000 meters of oil. Four coast guard patrol vessels have been stationed in the polluted waters to monitor conditions and lay containment booms.

Meanwhile, emergency supplies have been requested from other provinces and cities with the help of China Maritime Search. So far, 2,000 meters of containment booms and 32 tons of oil dispersant have been sent to Dalian.