A serious oil spill during refueling at Antwerp’s Deurganck-Dock has halted traffic in Europe’s second-largest port, with the Scheldt’s main navigation blocked as containment and cleanup get underway.

The incident involves the MSC Denmark VI, a Swiss-flagged MSC vessel, which confirmed involvement but offered few details and emphasized safety for crew, the terminal, and the natural environment.

The spill stemmed from an accidental hydrocarbon release at the Deurganck basin, one of the port’s main terminals on the left bank of the Scheldt; the exact amount spilled was not disclosed as of Friday afternoon.

Officials warned the shutdown could last several days as environmental and operational impacts are assessed and contained.

Access to the port is now limited to southern and eastern routes, with northern approaches still closed as a precaution.

Authorities are evaluating the pollution extent using aerial surveys and continuing safety and cleanup operations.

Cleanup and containment are underway, with ongoing monitoring of the spill’s impact on port activities and local ecology.

Environmental groups cautioned about biodiversity risks to wetlands and natural areas along the Doel polder near the Scheldt.

Local media and AFP report ongoing uncertainty about how long the disruption will last, citing port spokespeople.

Port operators noted potential environmental impacts on nearby nature and said multiple vessel types—including Europaterminal ships, inland ships, and tugs—were affected by the shutdown.

Containment efforts aim to minimize ecological and operational damage to the Scheldt’s nearby nature areas, with authorities monitoring and mitigating risks.

Authorities anticipated a return to full functionality within about 24 hours, contingent on containment and cleanup progress, though the spill’s extent remained uncertain.