The Port of Antwerp is steadily returning to normal operations after a bunker spill at its Deurganck Dock brought the Belgian hub to a temporary standstill last Thursday night. According to Ship & Bunker, the first vessels that had been held for decontamination were cleared to depart on Saturday night and into Sunday morning, marking a significant step in the port’s recovery.
Weekend Cleanup Efforts Bear Results
Cleanup crews worked through the weekend to address contamination across multiple areas of the port complex. The port authority confirmed that the first new container ships were able to arrive at Antwerp on Sunday, signalling that inbound traffic was beginning to resume alongside outbound departures.
In an update issued over the weekend, the port authority noted that vessel departures would grow incrementally as decontamination efforts advance. “Their number will increase as clean-up operations progress,” the organisation stated.
Multiple Sites Still Under Remediation
Despite the encouraging progress, work at the port is not yet complete. According to Ship & Bunker, cleanup operations remain ongoing across several locations, including terminal areas, affected vessels, the Galgenschoor area, and the Lillo jetty. The port authority confirmed that these efforts are continuing.
The scale of the incident underlines the critical importance of Antwerp-Bruges as a bunkering hub. Ship & Bunker reports that the port recorded a combined total of 7.9 million metric tonnes in marine fuel and lubricant sales in 2025.
A Major Hub Working to Restore Full Capacity
The temporary closure of access to Deurganck Dock following Thursday’s spill highlighted the vulnerability of one of Europe’s busiest maritime gateways to operational disruptions. With cleanup progressing and vessel movements resuming in both directions, the port authority is working to restore full capacity as quickly as conditions allow.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
