The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has reopened the terminals affected by the oil spill in the Deurganckdok, while clean-up work continues in some areas.
In its latest update on 16 April, the port said the North Sea Terminal and Europa Terminal were fully cleared for use. It added that the terminals in the Deurganckdok are operational, although quay walls and ships are still being cleaned on part of the western side.
Inland vessels are also being cleaned at the Galgenschoor inland waterway jetty.
READ: Antwerp reopens Scheldt after oil spill
The incident occurred on 10 April during a bunkering operation in the Deurganck Dock. The port said the source was stopped, but the pollution spread overnight towards the Scheldt, affecting shipping traffic, terminals and several locks
In the days that followed, restrictions were gradually lifted as cleaning operations continued across terminals, vessels and nearby affected areas.
On 11 April, the right-bank locks progressively reopened, with Zandvliet reopening later that day.
On 12 April, the first cleaned vessels departed from the container terminals, while new vessels began to arrive as conditions improved.
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Further progress was reported on 13 and 14 April, with more berths becoming available, the Kieldrecht Lock partially reopening, and the east side of the Deurganckdok returning to use.
A 15 April update said the quay wall at Noordzee Terminal was largely available and the terminal was operational, while the Europa Terminal remained closed at that stage.
For more information:
Port of Antwerp-Bruges – https://www.portofantwerpbruges.com/en
