Calum Muirhead

Boss Kenton Jarvis said that the extended closure meant there was 'a lot of backed up production that will start flowing' when shipments are allowed through the waterway.

In a shock announcement to the stock exchange, the FTSE 100 listed group said Albert Manifold, pictured, was leaving with immediate effect.

Albert Manifold was removed from BP's board on Tuesday after just eight months in the job due to what the oil giant said were 'serious concerns' about his conduct.

Albert Manifold claims the effort was led by Amanda Blanc, BP's senior independent director and one of the City's most formidable personalities.

The dramatic ousting of the chairman wiped billions off BP's share price and has sparked fears that the oil major could be blown off course in the middle of a crucial turnaround.

The airline faces a swoop by private equity giant Castlelake, as it capitalises on a slump in easyJet's share price.

The Insolvency Service said the businessman had 'breached his legal duty... to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence as a company director'.

HSBC fell 1.8% while fellow Asia-focused lender Standard Chartered dropped 2.8% and insurer Prudential, which makes most of its sales in China, fell 7.6%.

Y Tree, whose founders include two former Goldman Sachs bankers, has raised more than £10m in a funding round that was largely backed by its own clients.

Stephen Yiu told The Mail on Sunday he would 'sit on the sidelines' for the flotation, which is predicted to be the largest ever with SpaceX targeting a value of £1.4trn.