Scheldt reopened to traffic after oil spill Port of Antwerp, impact on nature unclear
Part of the Scheldt river has reopened to shipping traffic following last night’s oil spill in the Port of Antwerp. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges hopes to be fully operational again within 24 hours. The impact on the environment is not yet clear.
The oil spill is believed to have occurred whilst the container ship MSC Denmark VI was being bunkered – refuelled – in the Deurganck Dock. The leak was quickly resolved, but the Scheldt was partially closed on Friday morning due to the oil pollution.
In the meantime, part of the Scheldt has reopened to shipping traffic. Until further notice, the Deurganck Dock, the Berendrecht Lock and the Kieldrecht Lock remain closed. The Zandvliet Lock is due to open this Friday afternoon.
The impact on nature is not yet clear. In about three days’ time, it will be spring tide, which causes very high water levels in the Scheldt river. “If the goo hasn’t cleared by then, the birds and the reeds will have a major problem,” said Jef Van De Wiele, chairman of the local branch of nature organisation Natuurpunt.
His organisation manages, among other things, the Ouden Doel salt marsh area near the port. “The port briefed us yesterday and says it is doing everything possible to clean everything up as quickly as possible.” Both the left and right banks of the Scheldt are European protected areas.
MSC, the multinational company and owner of the ship that began leaking on Thursday evening, has not yet responded.
#FlandersNewsService | Oil stains on the water surface at the port of Antwerp after an oil spill © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS + Video showing oil stains and ongoing cleaning operations © BELGA VIDEO ROBBE VANDEGEHUCHTE