Manchester Ship Canal
The Manchester Ship Canal is a 36-mile (58 km) long river navigation connecting Salford Quays to the west of Manchester with the River Mersey estuary giving the City of Manchester direct access to the sea. It was built between 1887 and 1894 and at that time was the largest navigation canal in the world. It followed the original route of the rivers Mersey and Irwell and used several sets of locks. It could accommodate both coastal ships and large cargo liners. Although it is no longer an important shipping route, it still carries about 6 million tons of freight each year. Mersey Ferries provide pleasure cruises.