Fire crews are tackling a major fire at Alexandra Dock in Bootle.
Emergency Services were called shortly after the blaze broke out at 4am on Saturday and Merseyside Fire and Rescue deployed 12 fire engines at the scene.
The force confirmed that the fire is affecting plant machinery and storage areas at the dock and covered a surface area of 200 metres by 150m.
Clouds of billowing smoke have been seen as far as New Brighton while people living in areas neighbouring the site have been warned to stay in doors.
Residents in Bootle, Seaforth and Crosby have been urged to keep all their doors and windows closed while passing motorists have been asked to do the same.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue have warned that the smoke may be an irritant to people’s eyes and throats despite it carrying minimal health risks.