Hull Crack During Bunkering Causes Major Fuel Oil Spill at Port of Antwerp, Scheldt Closed to Shipping

A crack in the hull of the Liberian-registered container ship MSC Denmark VI caused a significant fuel oil leak in the Deurganckdock at the Port of Antwerp overnight on April 9–10 during a bunkering operation, forcing closure of the River Scheldt to all shipping and shutting the Zandvliet and Berendrecht locks.

The closure of both locks effectively halted all vessel access to the port while emergency response teams worked to contain the spill. Oil spread from the dock into the Scheldt overnight before the source of the leak was stopped. The Scheldt reopened to traffic by Friday afternoon. The Deurganckdock remained closed for ongoing clean-up operations.

Oil reached the Galgenschoor nature area along the Scheldt, a protected tidal marshland. Environmental impact is still being assessed. No crew injuries were reported.

MSC Denmark VI is registered in Liberia and operated by MSC, the world's largest container line. The vessel was undergoing bunkering at the time the hull crack was discovered. The cause of the crack has not been confirmed.

The port confirmed the leak source has been secured. Environmental and port authorities are conducting assessments, and a full investigation into the cause of the hull failure is underway.