The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium, continues to have disruption to services as staff deal with a chemical spill aboard a vessel at the Deurganckdock.
On 14 July, a container of hydrofluoric acid aboard the cargo vessel Mia Summer II was damaged and began leaking, causing several workers to become unwell. The municipal emergency response phase was activated: emergency services treated the affected workers and evacuated them to nearby hospitals, while others carried out air quality measurements. A drip tray of lime was brought on board to make the area safe, at which point the container will be sealed and safely removed. During this time, shipping traffic remains suspended in the affected area.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges released an update the morning of 15 July on social media: ‘An incident with hydrofluoric acid at the Deurganckdock is causing significant disruption in the port of Antwerp. Together with the emergency services we are closely monitoring the situation. We will keep you informed on this page with the latest updates.’
