Bunker spill triggers widespread disruption in Port of Antwerp

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges on Friday (10 April) reported that an oil spill occurred during a bunkering operation in the Deurganck Dock, causing significant disruption in the port.

Although the source was stopped and the directly involved seagoing vessels were contained for active clean-up operations, the pollution spread further towards the Scheldt overnight.

The Scheldt was then fully closed to traffic between buoy 80 (above Noordzeeterminal) and the entrance to the Deurganck Dock. The Zandvliet and Berendrecht locks were also closed due to the presence of oil slicks.

“In addition to the source location, vessels at the Europaterminal, several inland vessels near the Galgenschoor area, and a tugboat have been affected. There is also a risk of impact on nearby nature areas,” the port authority said in its first update. 

Since then, the Scheldt and Zandvliet have been reopened. In its latest update on 12 April, the port authority said the Kieldrecht Lock has been partially reopened. 

“The first new container vessels entered the port today, and their number will increase as clean-up operations progress. Remaining cleaning operations at the terminals, on vessels, at Galgenschoor and the Lillo jetty are ongoing,” it added.

Photo credit: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Published: 13 April, 2026