An oil spill at the Deurganckdock in the port of Antwerp-Bruges has led authorities to close a section of the River Scheldt, impacting traffic at one of Europe’s busiest ports and raising significant environmental concerns. The spill occurred during a bunkering operation on Friday, but the source has since been contained, and cleanup crews are actively working to manage the situation.
Despite initial containment efforts, oil has spread into the Scheldt, prompting the suspension of all vessel movements between buoy 80, near the Noordzeeterminal, and the dock’s entrance. Additionally, the Zandvliet and Berendrecht locks, crucial for deep-sea shipping, have been closed due to oil slicks. Authorities reported serious disruptions to both seagoing and inland shipping, affecting several vessels, including those at the Europaterminal and near vulnerable nature areas.
Emergency services are fully mobilized, deploying specialized teams and equipment to contain and recover the oil. An operational coordination plan has been activated to handle the incident’s complexity and potential logistical and ecological impacts. With the port being a vital gateway for petrochemicals and container traffic in Europe, prolonged closures could severely impact regional supply chains.
Environmental concerns are escalating as the spilled oil threatens ecologically sensitive areas, including marshes and bird habitats. Officials have emphasized their commitment to minimizing ecological harm while conducting cleanup operations. Further updates are anticipated as authorities evaluate navigation resumption safety.
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