Hydrofluoric acid leak in Belgian port partially halts operations, cleanup underway

A toxic chemical leak aboard an MSC container ship in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium on Tuesday 14 July triggered a major emergency response and caused a temporary suspension of shipping operations.

The incident in part of Europe’s second-largest port occurred aboard the MSC MIA SUMMER II, which was berthed at the Deurganck Dock when a container carrying hydrofluoric acid was found to be leaking.

Emergency services 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, reported Container News.

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.

Vessel movements in the affected section of the dock were suspended while emergency responders secured the damaged container. Authorities also closed the bridges over the Kieldrecht Lock and urged people to avoid the area around Quay 1742.

Air quality measurements conducted outside the immediate safety zone detected no hazardous concentrations of the chemical, and 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.

In an update issued at 15:30 on 15 July, the port announced that all locations had been cleared except for the MPET terminal, and that all other locations were authorised to resume operations. The MPET terminal remained subject to restrictions as emergency services continued to manage the affected area.

In the latest update issued at 08:15 on 16 July the port said that 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 vessel had been unloaded and cleaned as part of the ongoing response operation, although the safety perimeter still remained in place.

The cause of the container leak has not yet been disclosed, and an investigation into the incident is expected.