Port of Antwerp-Bruges shuts docks due to oil spill

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has announced the closure of one of its docks following an oil spill that happened during a ship’s bunkering.

According to the port, oil was discovered near the Deurganck dock on 7 June. Oil spilled during the bunkering procedure.

The port said that emergency personnel arrived on the dock as soon as they were notified of the incident.

As of 9 June, the port revealed that they are using drones to assess the scope of the oil spill and have already begun cleanup efforts.

A total of 20 ships have been found to have oil on them, and they cannot leave the Deurganck Dock until they are cleaned of the oil, according to the port officials.

A port official today stated: “Since Thursday (6 June), seven seagoing vessels and three inland vessels have been cleaned up and released.

“In the meantime, three clean ships have docked since the incident. Loading and unloading with barges will gradually restart.

“During these operations we naturally ensure that the clearing works are not hampered. A selective ascent ban still applies. We examine on an ad hoc basis whether and which ships can sail on and off. Terminals remain operational but are still experiencing major disruption.”

This month, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges completed the first phase of works on the ICO terminal, namely the dredging and disposal of nearly 1 million cubic metres of sand and clay soil.

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