Oil Spill Disrupts Shipping Off Antwerp
Shipping around the Belgian port of Antwerp has been partially halted after an oil spill spread from one of the docks into the River Scheldt.
The incident occurred during refuelling operations at the Deurganck Dock. According to a statement from the port authorities, the source of the spill has been contained and the situation is under control, although the pollution has already spread into the river.
The port typically handles between 60 and 80 ships a day. A spokesperson said it was not yet clear how long the restrictions would remain in place or how many vessels would be affected.
Antwerp forms part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the second-largest port in Europe by cargo volume after Rotterdam.
The spill has disrupted activity at one of Europe’s key trade hubs, causing temporary restrictions on shipping in the area.