– Padmesh Prabhune
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 report, oil was discovered near the Deurganck dock on 7 June as oil spilled accidentally during the bunkering procedure.
To prevent the spread of the spill, Belgium’s largest port closed Deurganck Dock. The port said that emergency personnel arrived on the dock as soon as they were notified of the incident. The port is using drones to assess the scope of the oil spill and have already begun cleanup efforts. The spokesperson said, “We will do everything possible to ensure that the oil remains in the local area.”
According to the port officials initially 20 ships were found to have oil on them, and they could not leave the Deurganck Dock until they were cleaned of the oil.
Port officials further informed, “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.”
Incidentally 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.
Marex Media