Oil spill in Port of Antwerp under investigation as clean-up continues
An investigation has been launched into an oil spill in the Port of Antwerp, after a container ship leaked a significant amount of oil during refuelling last week. Terminal operators MSC and PSA have begun a joint inquiry. In addition, the Nautical Commission has opened an investigation at the request of the court in Ghent.
The spill occurred on Thursday at the Deurganck Dock, one of the port’s largest container terminals, when the vessel MSC Denmark VI began leaking oil during bunkering operations. Initial hopes that the situation would be resolved within 24 hours proved too optimistic.
Clean-up efforts are now said to be “under control”, according to nature organisation Natuurpunt. Around 40 people, including volunteers and civil protection staff, are currently working to remove the oil from affected areas, including port infrastructure, ships and nearby riverbanks.
Some progress has been made. Key locks, including Kieldrecht and Zandvliet-Berendrecht, have partially or fully reopened, allowing shipping traffic to resume. However, delays continue due to earlier closures and limited capacity. Several contaminated vessels are still being cleaned, and authorities expect disruption to last for several more days.
Environmental concerns remain. Dozens of birds have already been found covered in oil, and conservationists warn that the full impact on local wildlife is still unclear. Members of the public have been urged not to assist in the clean-up.
There is cautious optimism that the situation will not worsen. Spring tide, which could spread the pollution further into protected natural areas along the River Scheldt, is now expected later this week, giving crews more time to contain the spill.
A crisis meeting is taking place on Monday, with further updates expected from port authorities once it concludes.
#FlandersNewsService | Oil clean-up in the Port of Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS