Deurganck dock

The Deurganck dock, a crucial access point to the Port of Antwerp, one of Europe's largest ports, was temporarily closed and has now been reopened following an oil spill. The incident occurred on the evening of April 9, 2026, during a refueling operation of a ship at one of the port's main terminals. The spill led to the blockage of key access routes, causing approximately 50 ships to be stranded and disrupting maritime traffic. Cleanup operations were immediately initiated, with assistance from the Dutch Coast Guard. The accidental hydrocarbon discharge significantly impacted port operations and the environment, necessitating the closure of the main access route until the situation was managed. The reopening signifies the successful containment and initial cleanup of the spill, allowing for the resumption of normal port activities.