Ghent, Belgium — A significant oil spill was discovered late Tuesday night on the surface of the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, prompting an overnight response by emergency services and resulting in minor disruptions to shipping traffic in the area.
The spill, which stretches approximately one kilometre, was detected near the blast furnaces of the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ghent.
Authorities quickly deployed a floating anti-pollution barrier to contain the spread of the oil, while cleanup operations have been assigned to a specialised external company.
“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,” said Bjorn Bryon, spokesperson for the local fire department.
“The type of oil involved appears to be a heavy fuel, which poses significant challenges during cleanup due to its sticky nature and tendency to spread quickly.”
The precise composition of the spilled substance is still under investigation, but early indications suggest it is a dense form of marine fuel oil, notorious for its environmental persistence and difficulty to remove from water and surfaces.
The incident has led to slight disruptions in vessel traffic along the canal, which connects the Belgian port city of Ghent to the Dutch ports of Terneuzen and Vlissingen.
North Sea Port, which manages the interconnected maritime ports across Belgium and the Netherlands, has implemented precautionary navigational measures.
“Ships can still pass, but they must navigate around the contaminated zone,” confirmed Johan Bresseleers, spokesperson for North Sea Port. “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.”
Bresseleers added that even larger vessels can continue transiting the area, albeit at reduced speeds to avoid disturbing the oil slick further.
Port officials are maintaining close surveillance of the situation to assess the need for additional containment or navigation safety protocols.
“At present, the impact is limited, but if the oil spreads further, we may need to take further actions to ensure safe passage,” Bresseleers said. “We are prepared to implement additional measures if necessary.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed the source of the spill, though the proximity to industrial facilities, including the ArcelorMittal plant, may offer clues.
Environmental monitoring teams have been deployed to evaluate potential damage to aquatic ecosystems and to coordinate with local and regional environmental agencies.
The Ghent-Terneuzen Canal is a key maritime artery linking Belgian and Dutch industrial hubs, handling thousands of commercial vessels each year. Any prolonged disruption could have broader implications for freight and industrial supply chains in the region.
As cleanup operations continue, both port authorities and environmental agencies remain on alert to prevent further spread and mitigate any lasting environmental consequences.
