BRUSSELS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- An oil spill at the Deurganck Dock in Belgium's Port of Antwerp has caused significant disruption to port operations, authorities said on Friday.
The incident occurred during a bunkering operation on Thursday. Although the source of the leak has been stopped and the vessels directly involved secured for clean-up, the pollution spread overnight into the Scheldt River, the port said in a statement.
Beyond the initial site, vessels at nearby terminals and several inland ships in surrounding waters have been affected. There is also a risk of impact on nearby natural areas along the river. As a result, access to the port via the Scheldt is currently suspended.
Port authorities expressed regret over the impact on operations and the fragile river ecosystems, stressing that environmental protection remains a top priority.
To improve coordination among relevant services, an operational coordination mechanism has been activated in consultation with the harbor master. Emergency services have been fully mobilized and are focusing on containment and clean-up efforts.
Antwerp port is part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the second-largest port in Europe by cargo tonnage, after Rotterdam. ■
