A toxic chemical leak aboard an MSC container ship triggered a major emergency response at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, leading to the temporary suspension of shipping operations in part of Europe’s second-largest port.
The incident occurred on Tuesday aboard the MSC MIA SUMMER II, which was berthed at the Deurganck Dock, after a container carrying hydrofluoric acid was found to be leaking.
Emergency services immediately established a large safety perimeter around the vessel, while the municipal emergency plan was activated. Port workers and crew members in the vicinity were evacuated as specialist hazardous materials teams responded to contain the leak.
According to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, 155 people underwent medical examinations after possible exposure to the toxic fumes. Belgian media reported that 28 people were taken to hospital, with one person admitted to intensive care as a precaution. Most of those treated were later discharged after receiving medical care.
Shipping operations disrupted
As a precaution, vessel movements in the affected section of the Deurganck Dock were suspended while emergency responders worked to secure the damaged container. Authorities also closed the bridges over the Kieldrecht Lock and urged people to avoid the area around Quay 1742.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges said air quality measurements conducted outside the immediate safety zone detected no hazardous concentrations of the chemical, indicating that the risk remained confined to the operational area around the vessel.
Emergency teams reported that the release of vapour had significantly decreased as specialist crews continued efforts to seal the damaged container before removing it safely from the ship. Authorities also assessed whether the incident had affected the vessel or nearby cargo.
Operations resume across most of the port (Update – 15 July, 15:30 local time)
In an update issued at 15:30 local time on 15 July, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced that, following additional measurements by the fire service, all locations had been cleared except for the MPET terminal.
As a result, all terminals other than MPET were authorised to resume operations, while shipping traffic throughout the Left Bank port area was fully restored.
The MPET terminal remained subject to restrictions as emergency services continued to manage the affected area.
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive industrial chemical widely used in manufacturing processes. Exposure to its vapours can cause severe injuries, requiring immediate specialist medical treatment.
The cause of the container leak has not yet been disclosed, and an investigation into the incident is expected.
Update – 16 July, 08:15 local time
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges said overnight air quality measurements continued to be carried out as emergency teams monitored conditions around the affected area.
Authorities confirmed that the containers located adjacent to the leaking unit aboard the MSC MIA SUMMER II had been unloaded and cleaned as part of the ongoing response operation.
Despite the progress, the safety perimeter around the incident remained in place on Thursday morning. As a result, the MPET terminal had not yet been cleared to resume operations, while emergency services continued to assess the site before lifting the remaining restrictions.
Update – 16 July, 14:15 local time
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced that operations at the MPET terminal have partially resumed.
According to the port authority, activities restarted on the eastern section of the terminal along the Deurganck Dock (K1718).
Cleaning operations continue on the western section of the terminal, which will remain closed until authorities confirm that the area is completely safe for normal operations.
Update – 17 July, 06:30 local time: Incident concluded
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has officially declared the incident over after the western section of the MPET terminal at the Deurganck Dock was cleaned and confirmed safe.
As a result, ships are once again permitted to berth, and terminal operations have fully resumed, restoring normal activity across the affected area.
In its final update, the port authority thanked the emergency services, the companies involved and all employees for their swift and professional response throughout the incident.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges also expressed its support for those affected by the chemical leak, stating that its thoughts remain with the injured workers and their families while wishing them a full and speedy recovery.
