The giant pipes that washed up on the shores of Norfolk could take another five weeks to be returned back to Norway, as the operation to do so gets under way.
A total of 11 pipes sections will be towed back to Norway in the coming weeks, but not before each one is taken into Lowestoft for remedial work.
The first of these arrived in the port today, with it potentially taking up the five weeks for the entire set to be returned.
A statement from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: 'The 11 pipe sections will go into Lowestoft one at a time and each pipe will be in the port for several days. Each pipe will be inspected and then undergo work as necessary and required.'
The pipes, which were destined for Algeria, began washing up on Norfolk shores last month, with giant stretches ending up on beaches in Horsey, Sea Palling Winterton and Waxham, with the largest measuring more than 1,500ft in length.
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