A fire broke out on a ship docked at the Vijfde Havendok in Antwerp, prompting an immediate response from the local fire brigade. The incident occurred around 11:15 AM on 16 July 2025, drawing attention due to the ship’s proximity to Antwerp’s city centre. Firefighters arrived swiftly, equipped with a fireboat to tackle the blaze and assess the materials on board.
- Brandweer ontvangt melding brand Vijfde Havendok
- Blusboot ingezet bij schipbrand ter plaatse
- Rook waait richting Merksem, ramen dicht
- BE-ALERT waarschuwt omwonenden in omgeving
- FWN Adriatic is nieuw 144 meter vrachtschip
- Schip eigendom Nederlandse rederij ForestWave
The vessel involved is the FWN Adriatic, a newly launched 144-metre cargo ship owned by the Dutch company ForestWave based in Groningen. Although the ship’s hatches remain closed to contain most of the smoke, some fumes are drifting towards the Merksem neighbourhood, leading authorities to advise residents to keep windows and doors shut. A BE-ALERT notification was also sent to those nearby to ensure public safety.
How serious is this fire for Antwerp’s residents and the surrounding environment? What measures are in place to prevent further risks? Here is a concise update on the situation.
What does this incident reveal about emergency preparedness in Antwerp’s busy port area? The quick deployment of firefighting resources shows strong readiness, but questions remain about potential hazards from the ship’s cargo and the impact of smoke on nearby communities.
- Fire brigade used a fireboat to contain the blaze and monitor onboard materials.
- Closed hatches helped limit smoke escape, reducing immediate air quality concerns.
- BE-ALERT system ensured rapid communication with residents in affected zones.
- Proximity to urban areas like Merksem highlights the need for ongoing vigilance.
As investigations continue, residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. Will this incident lead to tighter safety measures for cargo ships docked near the city centre? Antwerp’s authorities are likely to review their strategies to prevent future emergencies.
