At the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, cleanup efforts continue following an oil spill that occurred during a bunkering operation at Deurganckdock. The source of the pollution was quickly contained, but overnight the oil slick spread toward the Scheldt River. A command and control mode has been activated to coordinate the response, with emergency services focused on containment and cleanup.
During the incident, navigation on the Scheldt was completely blocked between buoy 80 and the dock entrance, and the Berendrecht and Zandvliet locks were also closed due to an oil slick. The pollution affected vessels at the Europaterminal, several inland vessels near Galgenschoor, and a tugboat. As a result, the port was temporarily inaccessible from the river, causing significant operational disruptions.
Navigation on the Scheldt has now been restored, but Deurganckdock remains closed until further notice. Specialized vessels continue cleaning the dock, Europaterminal, and lock complex, while shoreline and natural areas are being monitored in conjunction with specialized services. The port administration’s priority remains the fastest and safest possible restoration of key infrastructure and the minimization of environmental damage.