Toxic chemical leak halts shipping at Antwerp-Bruges port

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 temporarily suspended

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 by Tuesday evening. Specialist crews continued efforts to seal the damaged container before removing it safely from the ship, while inspections were carried out to determine whether the incident had affected the vessel or nearby cargo.

Port authorities said shipping operations in the affected area would resume only after the site had been declared safe.

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.

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