An oil spill at the Deurganckdock in the port of Antwerp-Bruges has led to the closure of a segment of the River Scheldt for shipping. This has disrupted traffic at one of Europe’s busiest ports and raised concerns about environmental harm.
The incident took place during a bunkering operation early Friday, according to port officials. They reported that the source of the leak has been controlled and that the involved vessels are being contained while cleanup crews are working on site.
Even with initial containment, oil spread overnight from the Deurganckdock into the Scheldt, prompting authorities to stop all vessel movements between buoy 80, near the Noordzeeterminal, and the dock entrance. The Zandvliet and Berendrecht locks, which are essential for deep-sea shipping, were also closed due to oil slicks.
“Currently, the port is not accessible via the Scheldt,” the port authority stated, noting that this has significantly impacted both seagoing and inland shipping.
Multiple vessels have been affected, including ships at the Europaterminal, inland barges near the Galgenschoor nature area, and at least one tugboat. Emergency services have been fully engaged, with specialized teams using booms and skimmers to contain and recover the oil.
Authorities have initiated an operational coordination plan with the harbour master to manage the situation, highlighting the scale of the spill and its possible effects on logistics and the environment.
The port of Antwerp-Bruges is a crucial hub for petrochemicals and container traffic in Europe, and any extended closure of the Scheldt could have ripple effects on regional supply chains.
Environmental concerns are also growing, as the affected section of the Scheldt is near ecologically sensitive areas, including tidal marshes and bird habitats. Officials have warned of potential risks to nearby nature reserves but emphasized that efforts are underway to minimize ecological damage.
“We regret the impact of this incident on our port and the vulnerable nature areas along the Scheldt,” the port authority said, stressing that protecting the environment remains “an absolute priority.”
More updates are expected as cleanup efforts continue and authorities evaluate when navigation can safely resume.