Firefighters responded overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday to an oil spill on the surface of the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal.
The spill, stretching one kilometre, was detected near the blast furnaces of the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ghent.
"We have contained the oil spill using a floating anti-pollution barrier, but an external company will be responsible for cleaning up the polluted waters," stated Bjorn Bryon, the fire department spokesperson.
According to a fire brigade spokesperson, the spill is likely a type of heavy fuel that is difficult to remove. The exact composition is still being investigated, but the fuel can spread rapidly and adhere to surfaces.
As a result, navigation is slightly disrupted, according to a spokesperson for North Sea Port, which encompasses the maritime ports of Ghent in Belgium and Terneuzen and Vlissingen in the Netherlands.
Shipping in the area is experiencing minor disruption due to the oil slick, confirmed North Sea Port spokesperson Johan Bresseleers. "Ships can still pass, but they must navigate around the contaminated zone," he said.
"It is similar to a two-lane road with an obstacle where drivers take turns to pass." While passage is slower than usual, there is no complete blockage. "Larger vessels can also pass but must do so at reduced speed," Bresseleers added.
The port authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to implement additional measures if the pollution spreads.
"At present, the impact is limited, but if the oil spreads further, we may need to take further actions to ensure safe passage," Bresseleers stated.
This story was updated.
