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The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is beginning to regain its pace after the oil spill and days of intense logistical uncertainty. Following the crude oil spill that occurred during a supply maneuver, cleanup operations are finally allowing Belgium’s commercial engine to return to normal, albeit with the necessary caution to ensure environmental safety in the Scheldt River.
Operational recovery after the oil spill at Deurganckdock
Since early Monday morning, the port authority has confirmed that the Kieldrecht lock is partially operational again. Likewise, the strategic passages of Zandvliet and Berendrecht have been opened to traffic, providing critical relief for the dozens of vessels that had remained blocked.
Nevertheless, the current priority is focused on decontaminating the affected container ships, a meticulous process that requires each hull to be cleaned before resuming regular navigation.
Despite these advances, work at the terminals on both banks and in natural areas such as Galgenschoor remains ongoing. Civil Protection teams and environmental specialists are coordinating efforts to remove any trace of hydrocarbons at the Lillo quay and adjacent areas.
It is evident that the management of this crisis seeks to balance commercial urgency with absolute respect for the river ecosystem, preventing the ecological impact from spreading beyond the current limits.
Finally, maritime traffic flow is showing signs of stabilization with the gradual arrival of new vessels. However, authorities anticipate that deep-cleaning activities will continue for several more days.
Source and photo: Port of Antwerp Bruges